NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee State softball team opened its Ohio Valley Conference home slate with a doubleheader against the UT Martin Skyhawks on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers fell 13-2 in game one and 6-2 in game two, moving to 0-18 on the season.
GAME ONE: EARLY TIGER MOMENTUM HALTED BY LATE SKYHAWK SURGE
Chelsi Ervin earned the start in the circle, tossing 3.0 innings and allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out three. Kristian Holder entered in relief and was charged with the loss, while Miriam Gordon closed out the game.
Offensively, Kailyn Jean-Baptiste led the Tigers with a 2-for-3 performance, adding an RBI and a triple. Alexis Woods also drove in a run, while Jasmine Blackburn and Jace Jackson each crossed the plate.
Tennessee State answered quickly after surrendering a run in the top of the first. Blackburn opened the bottom half with a double, followed by a bunt single from Jackson. Jean-Baptiste drove in the tying run with a single up the middle, and Woods added another RBI on a bunt single to give TSU a 2-1 lead.
The Tigers held the advantage through the early innings, but UT Martin regained control in the middle frames before breaking the game open with a seven-run sixth inning to secure the 13-2 victory.
GAME TWO: LATE INNING PUSH FALLS SHORT IN NIGHTCAP
Tianna Salcido delivered a strong start for TSU, pitching 6.0 innings and allowing just two runs while keeping the Tigers within striking distance. Courtney Richardson was charged with the loss after entering in the seventh, and Chelsi Ervin finished the game in relief.
Dani James paced the Tigers offensively with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate, scoring both TSU runs. Nahia Campbell added an RBI double, while Jace Jackson and Kailyn Jean-Baptiste each recorded hits.
After falling behind 2-0, the Tigers cut into the deficit in the fourth inning when Campbell doubled to left center to score James. TSU later tied the game in the sixth, capitalizing on an error to plate James and even the score at 2-2.
UT Martin responded in the top of the seventh, stringing together timely hits to score four runs and reclaim the lead. The Tigers were unable to answer in the bottom half, falling 6-2 in the series opener doubleheader.
Tennessee State will close out the series against UT Martin on Sunday, March 22, with first pitch set for 1 p.m. at Tiger Field.
