INDIANAPOLIS – The Butler softball team won its home opener on Friday, 3-0, defeating Seton Hall in game one of a three-game BIG EAST series. The Pirates (10-12, 2-5 BIG EAST) gave up all three runs in a single inning and were unable to score in the contest. The victory was the fifth-consecutive for the Bulldogs (11-9, 4-0 BIG EAST).
After three scoreless innings, Butler produced all it needed in the fourth.
Cate Lehner and
Hailey Conger hit back-to-back singles, and then
Kayla Preiss put the ball in play in the infield. Conger was out at second, but an errant throw allowed Lehner to score. One batter later,
Makena Alexander hit a two-run home run, also pushing Preiss across, and the Bulldogs held a 3-0 lead.
Seton Hall was unable to plate any runners in the final three innings, stranding five on the bags.
Katie Petran (5-3) produced a complete-game shutout victory in the circle. In 7.0 innings, she allowed seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts.
Bulldog Bits
- Alexander's home run was her fourth in the past three games. She now has nine this season and 21 in her career.
- Petran's win in the circle was her fifth this season and the 27th of her career. It was her third complete-game victory this season and her second complete-game shutout this season.
Up Next
Butler and Seton Hall will remain in Indianapolis, Ind., to play game two of the series on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
