NASHVILLE - Tennessee State received contributions from every part of their lineup, as all nine starters reached base safely, helping the Tigers put eight runs on the board and defeat the Western Illinois Leathernecks 8-2 Sunday. The win marks TSU's sixth straight OVC victory as they have now earned back-to-back series sweeps. 

Holly Ayala (6-5) started in the circle and picked up the win for Tennessee State (23-19, 14-7). The right-hander went seven innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on 10 hits.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Tigers got on the scoreboard first, starting in the second inning. Tennessee State's offense started clicking and put up four runs, including a one-run single off the bat of Ryla Traylor.

The Tigers then lost some of their lead, expanding on their advantage in the fifth inning after the Leathernecks cut it to 4-1. The Tennessee State offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of Mikayla Duke, which brought the score to 8-1 in favor of the Tigers. Western Illinois put one run on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Tennessee State still coasted to the 8-2 win.

GAME NOTES

» Laila Armstrong had three hits in the game for Tennessee State.
» Every Tennessee State starter reached base safely in the win.
» Tennessee State's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed four runs across.
» The Tigers had control of the rest of the game after jumping ahead of the Leathernecks 4-0 in the bottom of the second.
» The Tigers out-hit the Leathernecks at a 12-10 clip.
» Tennessee State went 7-for-13 (.538) with runners in scoring position.
» Tennessee State pitchers faced 32 Western Illinois hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and 12 fly balls.
» Duke led the Tigers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.

NEXT UP

The Tigers will be back in action on Tuesday afternoon as they are set to host Chattanooga at 5:00 p.m.