QUEENS, N.Y. – The Butler softball team scored early and often in taking a five-inning, 10-1, victory over St. John's in BIG EAST play on Friday. The Bulldogs (20-13, 8-4 BIG EAST) scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back, as the Red Storm (8-26, 3-10 BIG EAST) was unable to provide enough answers at the plate.
 
How It Happened

• In the first inning, four hits produced four runs as Butler jumped to an early lead. A Maddie Moore (1-2, 2 RBI, R) single scored Lauren Fey (3-4, 2 R, SB) and Ellie Boyer, and, one batter later, Paige Dorsett (2-3, RBI) singled to push Ella White across. Bri Avery (2-3, RBI) rounded out the inning with a single that plated Moore.
• In the third, Kaylee Gross knocked a single that allowed pinch-runner Emily Perrelle to cross the plate, and Dani Deuschle, who was also pinch running, scored on an error during the next at bat. Three batters later, White hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Gross to score, and pushing the Bulldogs' lead to 7-0.
• Sydney Carter hit a bases-loaded single, scoring Fey, and a Loren Simpson single sent White home. Butler's lead was extended to 10-0 when Teagan O'Rilley drew a walk that pushed Monique Hoosen across.
• St. John's scored one in the bottom of the fifth, but could get no closer as the game ended after five. 

Butler Pitching
Karli Ricketts (10-3) started for Butler and earned the win. In 4.0 innings, she allowed only one hit while striking out four. Mackenzie Griman (1.0 IP, H, R, BB, 2 K) finished the game, pitching the fifth inning.
 
Bulldog Bits

• Ten runs for Butler represented its highest output for the season. The previous high was seven (five times).
• This is the fifth game this season that the Bulldogs have produced 12 hits. The high for the season is 13 (Feb. 19, Monmouth).

Up Next
Butler remains in Queens, N.Y., to continue the BIG EAST series with St. John's. Games two and three are scheduled for Saturday at 12pm, and Sunday at 11am.