Indianapolis, Ind. – The Youngstown State team (11-33, 3-12 Horizon League) fell behind early and made a late rally, but its comeback fell short in an 8-6 loss to IU Indy (16-23, 10-8) on Sunday afternoon.
The Jaguars plated four runs in the bottom of the first and another in the bottom of the second to jump out to a 5-0 lead after two innings.
The Penguins answered with four in the top of the third to trim the deficit to 5-4. Bree Kohler, Audrey Thomas, and Macy Littler each singled to load the base with one out. Kohler scored on Ayla Ray's infield single, and Lydia Wilkerson's two-run single up the middle brought home Thomas and Littler. Kennedy Dean added a single to center to drive in Ray with the Penguins' fourth run.
IU Indy extended the lead back to four with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Youngstown State scored a pair of unearned runs in the top of the seventh. Thomas led off the frame with a single and scored when Littler reached on a throwing error. Elyssa Imler's ground out plated Littler with the game's final run.
Kohler and Thomas each went 2-for-3 while Thomas and Littler each scored two runs.
Youngstown State returns home to host St. Bonaventure in a doubleheader Tuesday, April 15. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at the Covelli Sports Complex.
