Southeast Missouri 4, Tennessee State 0

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Southeast Missouri (10-15, 3-2 OVC) softball team shutout the Tennessee State (10-21, 1-5 OVC) Tigers 4-0 Sunday afternoon. Taylor Cowan earned her first shutout as a Redhawk, striking out a season-high seven batters. 

“Cowan pitched another complete game in which she was totally in control, only walking one and getting some very timely strikeouts with flawless defense behind her,” said head coach Lana Richmond. “Chelsea Smith came through for us with a key two-out hit in the second. Each OVC win is vital for our success this season.” 

After a two hour and 51 minute weather delay, the game resumed in the top of the second inning. 

The Redhawk bats came alive soon after the game resumed. It started with a two-out single through the left side by Simone Patterson followed by a low pop-up from Brittany Smith that dropped just behind the circle for an infield hit. C. Smith picked up two RBI on a triple to the right center field wall. C. Smith quickly scored on a pass ball to put Southeast out in front, 3-0. 

Leah Becker reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to third on a Kaitlin Zink double then scored on a pass ball in the fifth inning; 4-0 Redhawks. 

C. Smith led the Redhawk offense with a 2-for-3 performance against the Tigers with a career-high two RBI. Five other Redhawk batters contributed with a hit as Southeast outhit the Tigers 7-3. Cowan is now on a nine-game hitting streak. 

Cowan (6-8) pitched a complete game shutout giving up three hits to the Tigers. Cowan stuck out seven batters and walked only one. 

Shea Morris (7-10) recorded the loss going seven innings giving up four runs on seven hits. Morris struck out seven Redhawk batters and walked none. 

Southeast Missouri returns home Friday, Mar. 29 in the OVC home opener against SIUE in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.