Providence took a 5-4 win in eight innings over Butler Sunday afternoon in the BIG EAST series finale in Indianapolis. The Friars pushed two runs across in the top of the eighth inning and the Butler rally in the bottom half of the frame came up just short.

Butler took two of three in the weekend series and is now 19-22 on the season and 7-5 in BIG EAST play. PC improves to 11-26 (5-9 BIG EAST). Sunday's result ended a six-game winning streak for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs took an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, loading the bases with no outs and getting runs on a Sarah Dixon sacrifice fly, a Madi Christiansen single, and a fielder's choice.

Providence would respond in the top of the third with a three-run, two-out rally. Back-to-back doubles scored one run before Brittney Veler homered to left center on a full count to tie the game at 3-3.

The teams would trade scoreless frames and the game would go to extra innings after Butler left the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh.

Once again with two outs, Providence was able to score twice in the top of the eighth off Kaitlin Doud, who came on in relief of Butler starter Alyssa Graves in the fifth inning.

A Christina Candotti single – Butler's first hit since the second inning – and a Jenna Foreman walk had runners on first and third for the Bulldogs with one out. Alyssa Lach scored Candotti on a groundout. After Doud was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second, Dixon came to the plate with two outs. She got jammed on an inside pitch and her blooper landed just in front of second base, but PC fielder Crista San Antonio was able to corral the ball and tag Doud on a close play at the bag to end the game.

Butler drew seven walks and was hit by three pitches, which allowed the Bulldogs to leave 12 runners on base despite only four hits.

Graves went 4.1 innings, allowing three earned runs while striking out six Friars. Doud took the loss (9-6), surrendering two earned runs in 3.2 innings fo work.

For Providence, Megan McCune pitched all eight innings and earned the win to improve to 3-6.
 
The Bulldogs are back in action with a pair of midweek non-conference games, hosting Miami (Ohio) Tuesday and IUPUI Wednesday in Indianapolis.