Butler split a Saturday doubleheader with Providence Saturday to open a three-game BIG EAST weekend series. The host Bulldogs won the first game, 5-3, before the Friars got the back half of the twinbill, 4-2. Butler is now 20-14 on the season and 3-2 in BIG EAST play. PC is 13-16 (1-3 BIG EAST).

In the opener, sophomore Sarah Dixon had four hits in four trips to the plate, including two doubles. She scored two runs and drove in another. Maggie MacBeth and Krosley Ogden each had two hits.

Senior Kristin Gutierrez pitched a complete game for the Bulldogs, scattering nine hits. Only one of her three runs allowed was earned. She struck out four to improve to 8-6 on the season.

Butler jumped out with three runs in the bottom first as Dixon doubled in MacBeth and then was one of two runners driven in on an Alyssa Lach single to center. Providence responded with two runs in the top of the third on a two-run homer by Kelsi Luttrell.

The Bulldogs were able to create some separation with single runs in the third and sixth. Sacrifice flies by Cheyenne Thompson (third) and Brandyce Sallee (sixth) accounted for those two runs.

In the second game, momentum turned in the bottom of the second with the game tied at one. Butler loaded the bases with no outs, but couldn't push across a run due to a strikeout and double play. PC then put up a two-spot in the top of the third to take a 3-1 lead en route to a 4-2 win.

PC's Christina Ramirez (6-4) limited Butler to four hits. MacBeth had two of those and scored both Butler runs.

Mikeila Boroff (5-3) pitched six innings for Butler, allowing four runs (three earned) and nine hits.

Windy conditions affected play Saturday as both defenses had to compensate each time a ball got in the air. Hopefully Sunday's noon first pitch isn't impacted as much. Sunday's single game is Youth Day with kids able to run the bases after the game and a postgame autograph session with the team.