Karli Ricketts pitched a gem as the Bulldogs posted a 3-1 win over St. John's Friday afternoon in Indianapolis.

Ricketts struck out eight Red Storm batters, while allowing only four hits and a walk. She threw 118 pitches in her seven innings of work, improving to 8-5 on the season.

After St. John's was able to push across their only run of the day in the top of the first inning, the Bulldogs responded with a three-run second inning. An SJU throwing error contributed to the three unearned runs.

Loren Simpson tied the game with an RBI single. With two outs and runners on second and third, Lauren Fey tripled off the right field wall to score two teammates and give Butler a 3-1 advantage. The teams would trade zeros the rest of the way for the final.

Fey had two of the Bulldogs' five hits.

Erin Brown took the loss for the Red Storm.

With the result, Butler improves to 11-14 overall and 3-7 in BIG EAST play. St. John's is now 7-9 (4-5).

The teams are scheduled to conclude the series Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 11 a.m.