Eastern failed to jump on Southeast Missouri senior pitcher Elaine Fisher and made costly errors on Tuesday in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

That led to a doubleheader loss against Southeast Missouri, with the Panthers losing 7-2 in the first game and 7-6 in the second game.

Eastern led 6-5 in the second game heading into the bottom of the sixth, but a home run by SEMO senior shortstop Michelle Summers in the sixth and a walk-off sacrifice fly in the seventh by Summers sealed the second game for the Redhawks (13-16, 3-5 Ohio Valley Conference).

Eastern made five errors in the second game and seven in the two games combined.

“We should have gotten business taken care of earlier in the game,” said Eastern head coach Kim Schuette about the second game. “Some of those things happen. That’s just a part of the game.”

Fisher kept the Panthers (8-13, 4-3) off-balance in the first game. Fisher pitched a complete game, giving up five hits and striking out nine.

“She was throwing a weird drop changeup,” Mackie said. “It would drop right out of the strike zone. We need to lay off that changeup.”

Freshman third baseman Kiley Holtz and sophomore center fielder Denee’ Menzione hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the third inning. Eastern senior pitcher Karyn Mackie and senior pitcher Ashley Robison combined to give up 14 runs and 20 hits in two games. Eastern will resume play with a doubleheader against Southern Illinois at 3 p.m. on Thursday at Williams Field.

Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or at kjmurphy@eiu.edu.

Eastern sophomore shortstop Megan Nelson makes a throw from her knees during practice last week at Williams Field. The Panthers lost both Ohio Valley Conference games on Tuesday at Southeast Missouri. Eastern lost 7-2 and 7-6 in Cape Girardeau, Mo. The Pa

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