TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Ashley Cline had two hits but Middle Tennessee could not hold on to a one run lead as the Blue Raiders (1-4, 0-0) lost 2-1 to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-3, 0-0) in the first game of the Crimson Classic on Friday.
Kellie Head (1-2) made her third career start for the Blue Raiders, giving up two runs on 11 hits while striking out five in the complete game.
Georgia Tech starter Stephanie Morris (2-0) gave up one runs on seven hits in the win. She pitched 7.0 innings of action.
Middle Tennessee came close to going ahead in the 4th inning. Ashley Cline nailed a two-out single to the shortstop before both Caitlin McLure and Katie Mielke walked to load the bases. Corrie Abel reached first on a fielder choice only for McClure to be thrown out at third base to end the inning.
The teams combined for 12 hits in four innings of scoreless ball to open the game.
The Blue Raiders had another chance take the lead in the 6th inning and this time they capitalized. With two outs, Martha Davis and Jessica Ives hit back-to-back singles to left field. On the next play, Justine Cerda hit what should have been an easy out to to the shortstop if not for an errant Aileen Morales throw to third base. Pinch runner Kandra Singleton scored on the play to put Middle Tennessee up 1-0.
Georgia Tech responded in their half of the inning when Blair Shimandle tripled to deep center field, scoring Kelly Eppinger and tying the game at one run apiece. The next batter, Amanda Crow, struck an RBI single to left field and put Georgia Tech in the lead for good, 2-1.
Ashely Cline collected two hits for Middle Tennessee to lead the Blue Raider offensive attack.
Middle Tennessee returns to action in the Crimson Classic against hosts #2 Alabama at 6 PM.
Follow the action live at GoBlueRaiders.com with Russell Luna calling play-by-play.
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