University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
USF
Cutler, McDaniel with RBI Hits in Loss to USF
3/24/2018 12:00:00 AM | Softball
TAMPA, Fla. - Sophomores Carli Cutler and Kiwi McDaniel recorded RBI hits on Saturday, but the UConn softball team was outdueled by USF in the second game of the weekend series - 8-2 - at the USF Softball Complex.
Senior Ryne Nakama scored both runs for the Huskies (13-18, 0-2 American) on the afternoon, while sophomore Katie Koshes turned in a solid relief outing - taking over for junior Jill Stockley in the second inning.
UConn had good scoring chances in the third and fifth innings, and capitalized, but were unable to make up the early deficit - as USF led 4-0 after the first two frames. Stockley (6-7) picked up the loss in the circle.
"I think they key was obviously timely hitting. It was nice to see us scratch and fight back to put a couple (runs) up there," said head coach Jen McIntyre. "Credit to USF, they are a strong offensive team…I was proud of the fight today. We have things to keep working through and we'll get back to it tomorrow."
Trailing 4-0 in the third, Nakama and freshman Reese Guevarra reached on errors to set up Cutler's RBI double to center field - cutting the deficit to three. It was the ninth RBI of the season for the second-year infielder.
With Cutler on second and Guevarra on third, pinch hitter Chloe Kerns and redshirt freshman Olivia Sappington both popped up to end the frame - leaving a pair of runners in scoring position.
END 5 | Another scoreless frame for Koshes. She leaves runners on first and second to keep it a two-run game. #PhaseHow pic.twitter.com/0UXHQelPHc
- UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) March 24, 2018
Later in the fifth inning, still down 4-1, McDaniel made the most of her pinch-hitting opportunity by delivering a single to center field that scored Nakama from second base. On the play, McDaniel was tagged out at first after taking too big of a turn - ending a possible first and third, two-out situation.
Koshes threw 4.1 innings of relief against the Bulls (24-13, 2-0 American), striking out four and walking four. Her first three innings were scoreless, before USF scored four times in the sixth - including a three-run homer by Brooke Hartman.
"Katie did a great job. I thought she spun the ball well. USF made some adjustments late, which is what a good offense will do," said McIntyre. "We're definitely looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow."
Stockley made her team-leading 14th start of the season, allowing four runs on four hits in 1.2 innings of work. USF starter Cheyenne Eggens surrendered one earned run (two total) with six strikeouts in six innings on the mound.
UConn returns to action on Sunday in the series finale against USF. It's an early start, as first pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET.
