Spring Break
Softball: Losing streak continues
Panthers still remain in contention for league tournament
Kevin Murphy / Sports Editor
Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: Sports
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The Panthers lost 2-0, 2-0 and 5-1 to the Gamecocks (35-9, 17-1 Ohio Valley Conference) Saturday and Sunday at Williams Field.
The Gamecocks average more than five runs a game and have won 17 in a row, as opposed to the Panthers (24-24, 8-11), who have now lost 10 in a row.
Eastern still remains in sixth place in the league, which is the last qualifying spot for the OVC Tournament.
"I still think we're a good team," said Eastern head coach Kim Schuette. "We just haven't put up the W in a while."
Sunday's game was close.
The Gamecocks scored their lone runs off a two-run home run from junior left fielder Chrissy O'Neal in the fifth inning. O'Neal's home run hit the right field foul pole.
Eastern sophomore pitcher Amber May (17-15) allowed seven hits, but struck out nine against a team that hits .313.
"Maybe I called the wrong pitch," Schuette said. "I just wish we could score some runs for her."
May pitched the final six innings of Saturday nightcap, which resulted in a 2-0 loss.
May allowed five hits and struck out five. She was not charged with a run.
May has been pitching on adrenaline lately.
The Panthers scored only one run during the series.
Six of JSU's nine runs this series came off the home run.
"They hit my mistakes," May said. "We built our confidence up. We stayed with them all weekend."
Eastern has four games remaining. They play Southeast Missouri at 5 p.m. Wednesday in Cape Girardeau, Mo. The Panthers finish out the regular season against last-place Austin Peay.
Breakouts:
Jacksonville State / 17-1 / 35-9
Morehead State / 14-7 / 33-16
SE Missouri / 12-8 / 23-19
UT Martin / 11-9 / 31-19
Tennessee Tech / 10-12 / 24-29
Eastern Illinois / 8-11 / 24-24
Eastern Kentucky / 7-11 / 16-23
Tennessee State / 8-12 / 17-27
Austin Peay / 2-18 / 12-35
Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or at kjmurphy@eiu.edu.
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