KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The No. 8 Lady Vols picked up a 2-1 midweek win against Radford Tuesday night at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Sage Mardjetko got the start in the circle for the Lady Vols and tossed a gem. The junior earned her 10th win of the year, notching a total of 10 strikeouts. It marked her sixth double-digit strikeout performance of the season. Mardjetko allowed one unearned run on two hits over five innings of work.
Karlyn Pickens entered the circle in the sixth, holding the Highlanders scoreless for the remaining two frames while adding another strikeout for the Tennessee bullpen. The senior earned her fourth save of the year.
Sophia Knight returned to the lineup on Tuesday night after battling an illness for the past two weeks. The junior picked up right where she left off, finishing the night 2-for-2 with a run scored.
Tennessee’s only runs came in the bottom of the third. Knight dropped a bunt single to get the inning started and was moved into scoring position courtesy of an Ella Dodge single. Dodge then stole second to put two runners in scoring position. A groundout to first by Alannah Leach and a sacrifice foul out to right field by Emma Clarke scored two, giving Tennessee the lead.
Radford (22-23) struck in the fifth off a fielding error, allowing one run to score. The Highlanders attempted to plate a second run on the play but got thrown out at home.
Madison Sabo got the start for Radford in the circle, tossing two shutout innings with two walks and a strikeout. Natalie Jones (0-1) relieved her and threw just one frame. She allowed two runs on two hits and suffered the loss.
Morgan Cooper threw two innings with a walk and a strikeout, while Abby Peace tossed just one frame, allowing one walk.
DUE UP
The Lady Vols will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday afternoon, celebrating Senior Day for the last SEC home series of the season. Game 1 is slated for 4 p.m. ET.
