The SEMO softball team picked up two wins in a doubleheader against conference opponent UT Martin Wednesday by scores of 4-3 and 5-4 backed by strong pitching and timely hitting.

In the Redhawk’s first contest, senior pitcher Rachel Rook and junior pitcher Marisa Davis combined for seven innings pitched, seven strikeouts, one walk and two earned runs. Rook picked up the win, improving her record to 13-8 on the season.

Rook came in to relieve Davis in the top of the third, pitching four innings, giving up two and earning runs on three hits.

After a game tying 2 run home run in the top of the sixth by the Skyhawks, freshman infielder Aubrie Shore stepped up to the plate and hit one well over the left field wall to put the Redhawks back on top in the top of the seventh. Shore said she was trying to stay within herself at the plate and trying not to do too much

“I was honestly just trying to get on base and help my team out. The homerun was nice obviously, but I was just trying to make contact.” Shore said.

With one out in the seventh and Paige Clark, one of UT Martin’s best hitters, stepped up to the plate and hit a line drive directly to the shortstop who threw to first for a game-ending double play giving the Redhawks a 4-3 victory.

In the second half of the doubleheader, sophomore pitcher Paytience Holman, Marisa Davis and Rachel Rook combined for seven innings, three earned runs, two strikeouts and one walk. Rook picked up her second win of the day and Davis earned the save.

Martin was ahead by two runs in the bottom of the fourth, but sophomore infielder Kynzie Wrigley delivered a timely 2 RBI triple off the right field wall, tying the game 3-3.

A costly error in the top of the sixth allowed Martin to retake a one run lead, but Wrigley would once again put the Redhawks back on top in the bottom of the sixth with a clutch 2 RBI single right over the head of the shortstop.

Wrigley said she was looking for an outside pitch to drive.

“Outside has been my pitch lately, so I was just looking for a good outside pitch to hit. I wasn’t trying to do anything too serious and everything worked out.” Wrigley said.

Redhawks coach Mark Redburn praised Wrigley’s performance at the plate.

“I think a lot of times teams may overlook her because of her size or because of her spot in the order, but she’s got power and she can hit balls out. If she stays square within her hitting zone she’s going to square a lot of balls out.” Redburn said.

As the season winds down, Redburn stressed the importance of constant improvement, and playing their best at the end of the season where the stakes are higher.

“Were still trying to finish out, and you never know what’s going to happen. We’re going to try to be at our peak as the season ends, and so we’re trying to still play our best ball and get ourselves into that position so that it leads into the weekend tournament.” Redburn said.

The Redhawks are back in action against the SIUE Cougars at 4:00 PM Saturday in Evansville, Illinois where they hope to continue their success from the week.