APSU Sports Information
Chattanooga, TN – Austin Peay State University’s softball team only scored one run Wednesday versus Tennessee Chattanooga, at Jim Frost Stadium, but their pitching made it hold up, as the Govs defeated the Mocs for the first time in eight all-time meetings, 1-0.
Kelsey Gross and Morgan Rackel combined for the five-high shutout for the Govs (21-10), with Gross (4-3) going the first 4.1 innings versus the Mocs (16-22) – giving up three hits, walking two and striking out one.
Rackel, who picked up her second save of the season, came in to pitch the final 2.2 innings, giving up just two hits – while striking out two, including the final out of the game.
The Govs lone run came in the top of the third inning, with Brooke Pfefferle opening the inning by drawing a walk, moving into scoring position at second base on a sacrifice by Natalie Schilling, and scoring from second base on an error when the Mocs first baseman misplayed a ground ball.
The Govs were limited to just four hits in the wins, a double by Kacy Acree and three single from Danielle Liermann, Rackel and Bailey Shorter.
The Govs return to Ohio Valley Conference play, 1:00pm, Friday as they play host to Southeast Missouri at Cheryl Holt Field.
Follow the Govs softball team on Austin Peay’s official athletics website Let’sGoPeay.com or on Twitter @AustinPeaySB for more information or updates.
Inside the Box Score
The shutout by Kelsey Gross and Morgan Rackel is the first combined shutout by Austin Peay pitchers February 27th, 2013, when Lauren de Castro and Abby Guest turned the trick versus Alabama A&M.
The win was the first 1-0 win by the Govs since defeating Tennessee Tech 1-0 on April 1st, 2017.
The shutout was the eighth of the year for the Govs, the most since the 2007 season, when they recorded nine shutouts.
Kelsey Gross extended her string of shutout innings to 23.2, over her last seven appearances.
The win versus the Mocs was the Govs 11th true road victory of the season, the most in a season in school history.
Coaching Quotables with Head Coach Rodney DeLong
On pitching and defense picking up the offense
“The pitchers did great and we didn’t make any errors and that was the difference in the ball game. It wasn’t a good hitters day, we had some opportunities, but we left several (runners) on base.”
On Kelsey Gross‘ shutout-inning streak
“She’s just a model of consistency. She’s pitching well, changing speeds well and I think that has really helped her and coach (Jamie Allred) has done a great job with her.”
On getting back into OVC play
“We’re going to have our hands full and we’re going to have to play better in all three phases. We’re going to need all three not just two if we’re going to have some success.”
