SMITHFIELD, R.I. – In a doubleheader to open the Wilson/DeMarini Classic, the Bryant University softball team was dealt back-to-back losses by Murray State, 2-1, and 6-0, on Friday.

Game One

The Bulldogs (0-7) suffered their third one-run defeat of the season, falling to the Racers (6-5), 2-1, Friday morning in Auburn, Ala.

With two runners on in the top of the third, the Black and Gold took a 1-0 lead, when senior Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.) singled up the middle, allowing Mollie Anderson (East Greenwich, R.I.) to score.

The Racers responded in back-to-back innings, tying the game, 1-1, in the bottom of the fourth, after Jessica Twaddle scored from third off a sacrifice bunt by Madison Culver. Madsen struck out Maggie Glass swinging to help the Bulldogs escape the inning. The Racers weren't done, scoring the game-winning run in the bottom of the fifth after a series of errors led to a score by Cayla Levins. Levins reached second on a double to left center, before a wild pitch advanced her to third. The next batter was able to reach first off a fielding error, allowing Levins to run in for the Murray State lead, 2-1.

The Racers held the Bulldogs to only one hit in the last two innings, solidifying the 2-1 win in game one of the doubleheader.

Madsen pitched six innings for the Bulldogs, fall to 0-2 on the year as she allowed two runs off four hits, while recording a single strikeout. Mason Robinson won her fourth game of the season, pitching all seven innings for the Racers, as she finished with six strikeouts, while only allowing one run off four hits.

Game Two

In game two of the doubleheader, the Racers took the initial lead in the top of the third, after both teams' defenses helped them escape scoring threats. In the first two innings the Bulldogs left a total of three on base, while the Racers left two on base in the first.

In the top of the third, with a runner on first, Maddy Feeney doubled to left center, allowing Shelbey Miller to come in to give Murray State a 1-0 lead. The third and fourth each saw a hit for the Bulldogs, but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback, as Bryant left a runner on base in each of the two innings.

The Bryant defense held steady until the top of the sixth when the Racers logged two scores in the sixth and three in the final inning. In the top of the sixth, freshman Colby Norris (Toano, Va.) recorded Bryant's second out, striking out Jocelynn Rodgers swinging. With a chance to close out the inning, Norris gave up a single up the middle to Madison Culver with two outs. With a runner on first, Glass hit a two-run home run to left field give Murray State a 3-0 edge. The Bulldogs managed to end the inning with two runs off four hits, leaving two runners on.

The Bulldogs were retired in order in the sixth, leaving the door open for the Racers in the top of the seventh. With a runner on second and third, Twaddle tripled to right center to push the lead to five. With one out, Brianne Sanders stole second and Twaddle recorded the Racers final run, stealing home for the final Murray State score. The Bulldogs were unable to rally in the bottom of the seventh, as the first three batters led to three-straight outs.

Norris pitched all seven innings for the Black and Gold, recording two strikeouts, while giving up four runs off eight hits and four errors. Campbell Haven helped the Racers shutout the Bulldogs, finishing with two strikeouts, while allowing only four hits.

The Bulldogs turn their attention next to No. 4 Auburn, as they continue play at the Wilson/DeMarini Classic on Saturday at 3 p.m.