INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler softball team trailed IUPUI, 7-2, in the middle of the fourth inning and rallied to threaten in the final moments. The Bulldogs (10-10, 0-0 BIG EAST) trailed by just one run in the bottom of the seventh and had loaded the bases, but the Jaguars (4-16, 0-0 Horizon League) were able to secure the final out and take the win.
In the first inning, an
Ella White double to left field sent
Cate Lehner across for the first run of the game. After a
Paige Dorsett single advanced White to third, a sacrifice fly from
Teagan O'Rilley allowed White to score. Butler's 2-0 lead held through two full innings.
In the third, IUPUI used four singles and an error to take a 3-2 lead. In the top of the fourth, a two-run double highlighted an offense that scored four more runs, increasing the Jaguars' lead to 7-2.
In the bottom of the fourth, after
Makena Alexander and
Kaylee Gross drew walks,
Monique Hoosen stepped in as a pinch hitter and launched a three-run bomb over the center field fence.
After IUPUI added a run in the top of the fifth, the Bulldogs got one back in the bottom of the sixth, when Hoosen tagged her second home run of the game. The score entering the seventh was 8-6, Jaguars.
In the seventh, a two-out rally nearly put Butler in the win column. First, an Alexander solo home run brought the Dawgs to within one. Three walks loaded the bases, setting up a dramatic finish, but IUPUI collected an infield grounder and ended the game.
Katie Petran started the game for Butler in the circle and left with a 2-0 lead after two innings.
Rylyn Dyer entered in the top of the third and, ultimately, took the loss. She allowed five runs (four earned) on four hits and a walk.
Sydney Cammon (0.1IP, 2R, ER, BB) and
Kayla Noerr (0.2IP, R, H, 2BB) each provided relief before Petran (4.2 IP, 5H, BB) re-entered and finished the game.
Bulldog Bits
- Monique Hoosen hit two home runs in a single game for the first time in her career. She now has five long balls this season and 32 in her career. Her four RBI were a career high.
- Makena Alexander's home run was her third this season.
- Ella White had two doubles in the game. She now has eight this season and 28 for her career.
- Cate Lehner's triple was her first this season and the third of her career.
Up Next
Butler remains in Indianapolis to host its first BIG EAST weekend series of the season. Providence will visit Butler's campus for single games on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Mar. 8-10.
