Butler split its final two games in Carbondale, Ill., beating Eastern Illinois before falling to host Southern Illinois. Butler is now 8-9 on the season.

The Bulldogs topped EIU, 2-1, in the first game Sunday. Kristin Gutierrez improved to 3-4 on the season with a complete game win. The senior struck out six while allowing only three hits and two walks.

After EIU scored a single run in the fourth, Butler responded in the fifth. Sarah Dixon and Brandyce Sallee had back-to-back singles with one out. Kaitlin Doud doubled both teammates in with a shot to left center. Doud now leads the team with 18 RBIs.

Gutierrez made the lead stand up for the final score.

In the weekend finale, Southern Illinois put up seven runs in the first two innings en route to an 11-1 win in five innings. Butler contributed to the output with four errors. Doud took the loss in the circle. SIU hit three homers one day after Butler defeated the Salukis, 10-2.

Dixon and Sallee had Butler's two hits. Alyssa Lach knocked in Dixon for Butler's run.

The Bulldogs travel to Florida for eight games over the Spring Break week. The week begins with Wednesday contests against Penn and Northern Kentucky in Clearwater before traveling to Tampa for six games.