PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Butler softball team came from behind to win the opening game of a three-game BIG EAST series at Providence. The Friars (5-15, 2-2 BIG EAST) scored a pair in the first inning, but the Bulldogs (15-6, 4-0 BIG EAST) crossed the plate in the fifth and twice in the sixth to pick up the 3-2 victory and remain perfect in conference competition.
Game 1: Butler 3, Providence 2 (7 innings)
A walk and two singles allowed Providence to take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
In the top of the fifth, with runners on second and third,
Hailey Conger singled up the middle.
Leigh Vande Hei scored from third, but
Cate Lehner was thrown out at home, ending the inning. The Friars were still up, 2-1.
One inning later,
Olivia Moxley hit a single that pushed
Paxton Law home from third. One batter later,
Kieli Ryan hit a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing
Paige Lillie to score. Butler took its first lead, 3-2.
Gwen Baker (7-2) started in the circle for Butler and was credited with the win. In 5.0 innings, she allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three.
Katie Petran (2.0-IP, 3K) entered in the sixth with two on and nobody out, and the Dawgs up 3-2. She retired the side and shut down all three batters she faced in the seventh, picking up the save.
Bulldog Bits
- Hailey Conger and Leigh Vande Hei each had three singles on the day.
- Butler produced nine stolen bases spread out over six different base runners.
- Gwen Baker's win in the circle was her seventh this season.
Up Next
Butler and Providence will play game two of the series on Saturday, March 15, in Providence.
