CHARLESTON, Ill. -- It was a heartbreaker on Sunday, as the Tennessee State softball team was unable to push that tying run across, and came up one run short of victory, losing to the Eastern Illinois Panthers 4-3.

Junior Caitlyn Manus (9-8) started and took the loss in the circle for Tennessee State (17-18, 8-7). The right-hander went six innings, giving up four runs, one earned, on seven hits, allowing one walk and striking out four.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Tigers were trailing 3-0 in the fifth inning when they first put runs on the board. Ryla Traylor reached on a fielder's choice that allowed Laila Armstrong and Jasmine Blackburn to reach home safely. TSU would tack on more run in the inning as Nahtali Simpson picked up an RBI after grounding out to second that scored Anayah Baker-Rowell. 

Eastern Illinois then scored one run in the sixth to break the tie and grab the 4-3 win.

GAME NOTES

» Tennessee State's highest-scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed three runs across.
» Tennessee State pitchers faced 26 Eastern Illinois hitters in the game, allowing 10 ground balls and three fly balls while striking out four.
» Senior Nahtali Simpson led the Tigers at the plate, going 0-for-2 with an RBI.

NEXT UP

The Tigers will return to Tiger Field on Wednesday evening for a 5:00 PM matchup against North Alabama.