INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler softball team lost the first game of a critical, three-game BIG EAST series with Providence, as both teams are seeking one of the four spots in the upcoming BIG EAST Tournament. The Friars (24-17, 10-9 BIG EAST) scored two runs in the first inning and added one more in the third, building a 3-0 lead that held through five innings. The Bulldogs (27-15, 12-6 BIG EAST) attempted to rally, scoring two in the sixth, but were unable to produce any offense in the seventh.
 
How It Happened

• Providence scored two unearned runs to jump to an early lead in the first inning.
• The Friars added one in the third with a home run.
• In the sixth, Kaylee Gross and Lauren Fey scored from second and third off a wild pitch and an errant throw. Butler trailed by only one, 2-3.
• The Bulldogs were shut down at the plate in the seventh.

Butler Pitching
Karli Ricketts (13-5) started for Butler and took the loss. In 7.0 innings, she allowed five hits, three runs (two unearned), and one walk, while striking out five.
 
Bulldog Bits

• The triple by Kaylee Gross was her second of the season.
• Today's loss ended a six-game winning streak for Butler.
• If the Bulldogs want to clinch a spot in the four-team BIG EAST Tournament this weekend, they will need to win both remaining games against Providence. With one or two losses in the remaining two games, Butler will still be in the hunt next weekend at Georgetown.

Up Next
Butler will host game two of the series with Providence on Saturday, April 30, at 11 am. Senior Day activities will be included prior to the game. On Sunday, May 1, the series finale will be played at 1 pm.