Junior Chelsea McManaway threw a no-hitter in game one and senior Megan Tymorek followed with a shutout in game two as Morehead State softball swept Wright State, 9-0 and 2-0, on Wednesday afternoon at University Field.
With the sweep, the Eagles improve their record to 22-16 overall and put an end to a five-game losing streak.
"It was nice to get the sweep today. We had our full lineup back and we were in the right mindset today. Our players made great adjustments at the plate and we did a phenomenal job defensively. We also got two great pitching performances. It's a confidence builder and a great way to head into this weekend when we return to conference play," said head coach David Williams.
In the first game, Morehead State's offense erupted early as they scored five runs in the second and then followed with a solo run in the third and three runs in the fourth.
Their offense was highlighted by sophomore Ellen Barrett's solo home run to lead off the second and junior Taylor Wheeler's inside-the-park home run in the fourth.
That was plenty of support for McManaway (13-7, 1.33), who didn't allow a hit in five innings of work. The lone blemish was an error with one out in the second inning. She struck out eight and did not walk a batter.
Senior Karly Thompson went 3-for-3 with a double, two runs and a run batted in. Sophomore Allison Rager went 2-for-2 with a run and an RBI, while Wheeler went 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs and two RBI.
The second game saw no score until the Eagles got on the board in the bottom of the sixth courtesy of back-to-back home runs by junior Robyn Leighton and Barrett. Leighton hit a high fly ball that barely cleared the center field wall before Barrett hit a line drive shot down the left field line that easily left the yard.
Tymorek (5-6, 2.85) then allowed two singles in the seventh, but got a groundout back to the pitcher to end the game and preserve her first shutout of the season. She allowed five hits and no runs, while striking out four and walking none.
On the day, Morehead State pitchers did not walk a batter or allow a run.
"Both pitchers really controlled the other team and that was huge. I don't know if they ever really felt comfortable at the plate. Chelsea worked ahead all day and threw very few pitches and Megan did a lot of the same. It was good to see our pitchers limit their pitch counts and let the defense play behind them," said Williams.
Leighton finished 2-for-3 with a home run, while Thompson went 2-for-3 with a double, and junior Kylie Holton went 2-for-3 with two singles.
Next up, the Eagles return to conference play when they host Belmont on Friday afternoon at 1 and 3 p.m. ET.
