INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler softball team won its first two conference games of the season, defeating DePaul by final scores of 2-1 and 4-3. The Bulldogs (6-18) came from behind in both contests against the Blue Demons (8-10), who were the preseason favorites in the BIG EAST coaches' poll.
Game 1: Butler 2 - DePaul 1 (7 innings)
DePaul scored one in the first inning and held the narrow lead through five-and-a-half innings.
In the bottom of the sixth,
Kaylee Gross (1-2, SB) walked, advanced to second on an
Ella White (1-2, 2B) sacrifice bunt, and stole third.
Paige Dorsett then stepped up and crunched a two-run home run over the wall in left center for all the runs the Bulldogs would need for a victory.
Mackenzie Griman (3-7) pitched a complete game for Butler and picked up the win. In 7.0 innings, she allowed one earned run on nine hits and one walk while striking out four.
Game 2: Butler 4 - DePaul 3 (7 innings)
DePaul again took an early, 1-0, lead in the first inning.
In the bottom of the second,
Monique Hoosen reached first base on an error and advanced to second on a fielder's choice.
Sydney Carter (2-3, 2 RBI) hit a single that knocked her in, tying the game, 1-1.
In the third, Butler added one to take a 2-1 lead.
Kaylee Gross (2-3, SB) singled and stole second. After an
Ella White walk,
Paige Dorsett hit a deep fly ball to center field. Gross advanced to third, and when the throw was made to the third baseman, she continued on and tagged home.
The Blue Demons plated one in the fifth and one in the sixth, forcing a pitching change and regaining the lead, 3-2.
In the bottom half of the sixth, Dorsett singled down the left field line.
Kieli Ryan (2-3, 2 2B, RBI, R) hit her second double of the game and pushed Dorsett across for the 3-3 tie. Carter hit her second single that allowed Ryan to score from second with what would be the game-winning run.
Sydney Cammon (5.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K) started for Butler and lasted until early in the sixth inning.
Rylyn Dyer (3-5) provided relief and was credited with the win. She retired all three batters she faced in the top of the sixth.
Mackenzie Griman, who picked up a save, took care of the seventh, retiring all three batters that she faced, as well.
Bulldog Bits
- Ella White's double in game one was her fourth of the season and the 15th of her career.
- Paige Dorsett's home run in game one was her second of the season and the third of her career.
- Kaylee Gross's two stolen bases were her fourth and fifth of the season and the sixth and seventh of her career.
- Kieli Ryan's two doubles in game two were her fourth and fifth of the season.
- Mackenzie Griman's win in game one was her third of the season and her seventh complete game. Her save in game two was her first of the season and the third of her career.
- Rylyn Dyer produced her third win of the season in game two.
Up Next
Butler and DePaul will play game three of the series on Sunday, Mar. 12, at 12 p.m.
Then, on Tuesday, Mar. 14, the Bulldogs travel to Purdue-Fort Wayne for a midweek contest.
