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Vikings Score Three Runs in Ninth to Top Youngstown State, 5-2, at League Tournament

Vikings Score Three Runs in Ninth to Top Youngstown State, 5-2, at League Tournament

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Fifth-seeded Cleveland State scored three runs in the ninth inning to stay alive at the Horizon League tournament with a 5-2 win over third-seeded Youngstown State on Friday evening at Flames Field.

The Vikings, who improved to 21-31 this year, will face another elimination game on Friday (May 13) at 12:00 pm ET against second-seeded Wright State. Top-seeded UIC and sixth-seeded Valparaiso will play in the winners bracket at 2:30 pm ET with the winner of that game advancing to the championship.

YSU concludes it season at 30-21.

With the game tied at 2-2, the first three CSU batters reached base in the ninth on a walk, fielder's choice and YSU error to load the bases. After the first out was recorded, senior Alisha Silva singled up the middle to score Mel Woodard and give the Vikings a 3-2 lead.

After a flyout for the second out, senior Susan Knight delivered a two-run single to right field as CSU pushed the lead to 5-2 as Macy Kaisk and Bailee Gray scored.

YSU was retired in order in the bottom of the ninth as the Vikings survived their first elimination game of the tournament.

The Penguins took an early 1-0 lead with a run in the first inning, but Knight's RBI fielder's choice in the third inning tied to contest. YSU answered with a run in the fourth to take a 2-1 lead and it stayed that way until the sixth when Knight led off the inning with a triple and scored on an RBI groundout from Erica McNew.

For McNew, it was her 149th career RBI, breaking the CSU school record of 148 held by Dara Toman.

Knight and Silva finished 2-for-4, while Phillips and Woodard had one hit each and McNew reached base four times on walks, including three intentional passes.

YSU finished with 14 hits, but stranded 14 runners on base.

Knight earned her ninth win of the season, entering the game in relief in the fourth inning. She pitched the final six innings and did not give up a run. She gave up six hits and fanned three.