Redhawks finish off weekend sweep of Morehead State

~ Fisher recorded the shutout in Southeast's 4-0 victory Sunday at home.

Morehead State was much more stubborn Sunday, but the Eagles could not prevent Southeast Missouri State's softball team from completing a three-game series sweep.

The host Redhawks scored all their runs in the sixth inning as they posted a 4-0 win, their 20th victory of the season.

Southeast improved to 20-9 overall and 8-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play. The Redhawks remained in second place in the 10-team league.

Southeast has won seven straight games, and 16 of its last 18.

"We had a great weekend, and the kids are playing extremely well," said Southeast coach Lana Richmond, whose squad was 4-7 at one point this year.

During Saturday's doubleheader against last-place Morehead State (10-23, 1-10), Southeast romped 8-0 and 9-1 with both games were stopped in the bottom of the sixth inning by the eight-run mercy rule.

"We really hit the ball well yesterday, but I have to give Morehead's pitcher credit today," Richmond said. "She pitched a really good game and kept our hitters off stride until the sixth inning"

But the Redhawks finally broke through against Ashley Hubbell in the sixth, getting four hits.

Freshman Lauren Bradley doubled with one out and went to third on Stephanie Huffman's single. With two outs, Lyndsey Webb was intentionally walked to load the bases.

Freshman Amber Peterson delivered a pinch-hit, two-run single to put the Redhawks ahead for good. Michelle Summers added an RBI single, and another run scored on an error.

"Amber Peterson had a great day yesterday, and she came through with a big hit today," Richmond said. "We've got several freshmen who are really playing well."

Peterson went 3-for-3, including her first career home run, during Saturday's nightcap.

Bradley and Webb each had two of Southeast's 10 hits on Sunday.

Sophomore left-hander Elaine Fisher pitched a six-hit shutout with seven strikeouts and one walk. Fisher (9-6) hurled a three-hit shutout in Saturday's opener. She has five shutouts this season.

"She's pitching real well, and so is Stephanie Huffman," Richmond said.

Huffman, a senior right-hander, is 10-3 after winning Saturday's nightcap.

The Redhawks play a nonconference doubleheader at St. Louis University on Tuesday.