University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Drake University
Softball Splits with Drake, Pacific
3/9/2018 12:00:00 AM | Softball
OKLAHOMA City, Okla. - The UConn softball team picked up a doubleheader split on Friday at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, losing to Drake, 4-1, but rebounding with a dominant 9-0 win over Pacific in five innings in the second game.
The Huskies (8-13) began their participation in the Oklahoma State Hall of Fame Classic, playing the first two of five games this weekend at OGE Energy and INTEGRIS Fields - sites used for the Women's College World Series.
"I really like how we responded in the second game. Our bats came alive, we got some outstanding pitching and the defense was sharp," said head coach Jen McIntyre. "We were good in all three facets of the game."
Freshmen Marybeth Olson and Reese Guevarra helped lead the Huskies to their victory over Pacific. Olson allowed just one hit in five innings of work, due to a mercy rule, while Guevarra went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored.
"We took advantage of our opportunities in game two. Marybeth was great and Reese really got going at the plate, and she made a great catch (in center field)," said McIntyre.
Doubleheader action continues tomorrow, as the Huskies play Oklahoma State (2:30 p.m. ET) and Purdue (5 p.m. ET).
Visuals of OGE Energy Field. Game 1 begins shortly! #PhaseWhy pic.twitter.com/19mQ1LxRDp
- UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) March 9, 2018
Game 1 - Drake 4, UConn 1
Facing a 4-0 deficit in the seventh inning, UConn rallied in the seventh inning against Drake - plating a run and loading the bases - but ultimately falling short in the first game of the day in the Oklahoma State Hall of Fame Classic.
Freshman Samantha Barnett reached on a fielding error by the shortstop in the final frame, scoring redshirt freshman Olivia Sappington from third and putting UConn on the board. However, the Huskies left the bases loaded to end the game.
Junior pitcher Jill Stockley (2-6) turned in a solid effort in the circle, allowing just one earned run while scattering nine hits in six innings of work. She picked up four strikeouts, while stranding six runners on base, including five in scoring position.
Drake punched across four runs in the second inning, highlighted by a three-run homer by Macy Johnson. All three runs were unearned, as a throwing error by sophomore Carli Cutler extended the inning.
The Huskies were held scoreless for the first six innings, before finding offensive rhythm in the seventh when Sappington walked and senior Emma Stanley singled to start the rally. One batter later, sophomore Chloe Kerns drew a pinch-hit walk to load the bases.
Game 2 - UConn 9, Pacific 0 (F/5)
The Huskies scored a season-high nine runs and recorded seven extra-base hits against Pacific, cruising to a 9-0 win in five innings on Friday. Guevarra led the way with three hits, while three different players recorded multiple RBI.
Olson (4-4) was strong for UConn, posting a complete-game shutout over the Tigers, while the Husky bats did the rest. She helped the offensive cause as well, recording her first two hits of the season and picking up an RBI.
Sophomore Chloe Kerns added a pair of RBI, while sophomore Carli Cutler went 2-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored out of the leadoff spot.
UConn scored in each inning of the game - using a four-run fifth inning to extend the lead to nine. Doubles by sophomore Kiwi McDaniel, Cutler and Guevarra led the spark, building on an already 5-0 advantage.
The Huskies scored the first of two runs in the fourth inning with consecutive doubles by Guevarra and Sappington. In the third inning, freshman Sam Barnett plated Kerns with an RBI double to left field.
Olson struck-out five hitters, walked one and surrendered just one hit in the win, picking up her fourth victory of the season. Of all pitchers on the team with at least 10 innings in the circle this season, she leads in ERA (2.08) after Friday's effort.
Six players had RBI in the game for UConn, including three players (Barnett, Guevarra and Olson) who had recorded the first RBI of their college careers. The win snapped a seven-game losing skid and is UConn's most lopsided win since a 9-0 victory over Bryant last season on March 29.
