QUICK HITS
- Mackenzie Tucker went 2-for-4 and hit a walk-off sacrifice fly
- Riley Ries went 2-for-4 and scored a run
- Lindsay Ward was 1-for-4 and scored the winning run
- Kelly Hysong went 8.0 innings and struck out eight batters
- Cleveland State played its third consecutive extra inning game
GAME RECAP
CLEVELAND -- Freshman Mackenzie Tucker went 2-for-4 and hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the eighth inning leading Cleveland State to a 3-2 Horizon League victory over Wright State on Friday at Viking Field.
Tucker capped a 2-for-4 performance at the plate by lifting the first pitch she saw to right centerfield scoring Lindsay Ward with the winning run.
Lindsay Ward began the Viking eighth inning by lining a double to right center and she advanced to third when Riley Ries singled to centerfield. Tucker then followed with the game-winning sacrifice fly giving the Vikings a victory in the opening game of a crucial series for Cleveland State in its pursuit of a berth in the Horizon League Tournament.
Ries finished the game 2-for-4, while Kelly Hysong, Gabby Shackelford, Hallie Ward and Paige Hartley all picked up hits for the Vikings.
Hysong turned in a gutty performance in the circle as she went 8.0 innings and allowed two earned runs while striking out eight batters and throwing 156 pitches.
Cleveland State, which improved to 13-30 overall and 6-13 in the Horizon League, rallied twice to force extra innings.
After spotting the Raiders a run in the top of the second inning, Cleveland State answered with a run in the bottom of the frame.
Ries singled to right to open the inning and advanced to third when Tucker dropped down a bunt single and advanced to second on a throwing error. Gabby Shackelford then tied the game at 1-1 when she lofted a sacrifice fly to right, which brought home Ries.
Wright State, which fell to 20-30 overall and 7-12 in league play, regained the lead in the top of the fourth inning when Madison Nunez homered to left.
Cleveland State responded by tallying a run in the bottom of the fifth inning to once again tie the contest.
Shackelford doubled down the rightfield line and advanced to third when Hallie Ward followed with a single. The Vikings would load the bases when Hysong reached on a fielder's choice and Aly Packish scored Shackelford with an RBI groundout.
Hysong pitched around tight spots in both the sixth and eighth innings before the Vikings secured the win in the bottom of the eighth inning.
