INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler softball team held a lead through four innings, and then threatened in the bottom of the seventh, but ultimately lost, 4-2, to (RV) Miami (OH). The Bulldogs (17-21, 6-9 BIG EAST) scored single runs in the first and fifth, but a big top half of the fifth was all the Redhawks (29-6, 11-0 MAC) needed from their nationally-ranked offense.
 
In the bottom of the first inning, Butler used a single, an error, and a walk to load the bases. Makena Alexander connected with a shot up the middle, and the Bulldogs were up, 1-0.
 
In the top of the fifth, Miami paired a double with a single to tie the game at one run each. A subsequent single plated one more, giving the Redhawks a 2-1 lead. After a walk and an error, the bases were loaded. A two-run single put Miami up, 4-1.
 
In the bottom half of the fifth, Butler got one back. Kaylee Gross walked, stole second, and reached third on a throwing error. Alexander created a run-down between first and second, and Gross crossed the plate before the third-out tag was made. Miami's lead was now 4-2.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, with rain drops falling, Monique Hoosen hit a double down the left field line, putting the tying run at the plate with only one out. Madilyn Reeves, who pitched a complete game for the visiting Redhawks, was able to retire the next two Butler batters to end the game.
 
Katie Petran started in the circle for Butler and yielded only one hit and one walk in 3.0 innings. Sydney Cammon entered at the top of the fourth. In 1.1 innings, she allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one. Kayla Noerr (2.2IP, H, 3BB) provided relief in the top of the fifth, coming in with two runners on and one out. Noerr finished the game, though Cammon was dealt the loss.
 
Bulldog Bits

• Monique Hoosen's double was her second of the season and 17^th of her career.
• Kaylee Gross stole two bases. She now has five this season and 23 for her career.
• Miami ranks fourth in the nation for team batting average (.362) and leads the nation in scoring (9.32 runs/game) and home runs per game (2.94). Butler joins Clemson, Georgia, and Ohio as the only four teams to prevent the Redhawks from at least one home run in a game.

Up Next
Butler travels to Georgetown for a three-game weekend series from April 12-14. Single games are scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.