BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Butler softball team lost games on Saturday to Alabama-Birmingham and Cleveland State at the UAB Green & Gold Classic. After leading in the early innings, the Bulldogs (2-12) lost by the final score of 9-5 to the host Blazers (9-6). Following a lengthy rain delay, Butler trailed from start to finish with a 3-1 loss to the Vikings (2-7).
Game 2: Alabama-Birmingham- 9, Butler- 5 (7 innings)
Butler's bats were hot at the start as the Bulldogs jumped to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first.
Ella White's two-RBI double knocked
Cate Lehner (2-4, 2 R) and
Kaylee Gross across, and, after the bases were loaded,
Kieli Ryan (2-3) sent one more home with a single. In the bottom half, UAB sent a long ball over the fence with one runner on and drew to within one, at 3-2.
In the second, Lehner singled and advanced to second on a Gross sacrifice bunt. Lehner was then knocked in by
Paige Dorsett who singled to the right side, giving Butler a 4-2 lead that held through three complete.
In the fourth, a second UAB home run once again brought the Blazers to withing one, this time at 4-3. UAB then tied the game, on a pair of singles, and, after a pitching change, put one more across to take a 5-4 lead.
In the fifth,
Monique Hoosen (3-4) tied the game again, at 5-5, with a solo home run in the top of the frame. In the bottom half, the host Blazers plated three and regained the lead, 8-5.
UAB added one additional run in the sixth on its third home run of the game.
Rylyn Dyer (1-3) started in the circle for Butler and lasted until the middle of the fourth. She was tagged with the loss, allowing five runs (only one earned) on seven hits.
Sydney Cammon (3.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, K) provided relief.
Game 3: Cleveland State- 3, Butler- 2 (7 innings)
Cleveland State scored a pair in the first and added another in the third to build a 3-0 lead that would hold through five.
In the sixth,
Teagan O'Rilley hit a solo home run the pulled Butler to within two, at 3-1.
In the top of the seventh, the Vikings loaded the bases with two outs, but the Bulldogs ended the threat. In the bottom half,
Sydney Carter drew a walk, and
Cate Lehner reached on a single. With two outs and runners on second and third, the Bulldogs scored one but were unable to extend or win the game.
Kayla Noerr (0-2) got the start for Butler and took the loss. She allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks before being relieved by
Mackenzie Griman (6.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K).
Bulldog Bits
- Ella White's double vs. UAB was her third of the season and the 14th of her career.
- Monique Hoosen's home run vs. UAB was her third of the season and the 16th of her career.
- Teagan O'Rilley's home run vs. Cleveland State was her second of the season and the sixth of her career.
Up Next
Butler plays its final two games at the UAB Green & Gold Classic in Birmingham, Ala., on Sunday, Feb. 26. The Bulldogs will have rematches with both Cleveland State, at 10:30 a.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. CT, and with Alabama-Birmingham, at 12:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. CT.
