University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Butler University
Softball welcomes Butler to Storrs for three game series
4/13/2023 7:08:00 PM | Softball
STORRS, Conn. – The UConn softball team (25-11) is set to host the Butler Bulldogs (15-24) for a pivotal conference series this weekend. The Huskies currently sit atop of the BIG EAST at 12-3 with Butler only 1.5 games back at 9-3 in third place.
UConn is coming into the weekend winners in eight of their last nine games and have won their last six BIG EAST contests. In this nine game stretch, the Huskies have outscored their opponents 49-14. UConn leads the conference in runs batted in (168), batting average (.300), and stolen bases (91). The Huskies rank 26thin the country in on-base percentage (.396). Lexi Hastings has led the Huskies at the plate in this nine game stretch, holding a slash line of .517/.862/.563, scoring a team high twelve runs adding to her to 33 runs scored on the season, ranking first in the conference.
The UConn pitching staff has been dominant in this nine game stretch, holding a staff era of 2.02 through 58 innings pitched, limiting opponents to a .194 batting average. Hope Jenkins was named BIG EAST Pitcher of the Week, as she has gone a perfect 4-0 in this nine game stretch with 27 strikeouts, adding to her staff high of 84 on the season.
The Huskies have utilized the run game this season, as they rank 12th in the country in stolen bases. Through 36 games, UConn has 91 in 103 attempts, seven more than they had this time last year. Aziah James and Hastings, the Huskies top two hitters have combined for 53 of UConn's 91 stolen bags this season.
Butler is coming into the weekend having lost four of their last five games. UConn leads the all-time series 8-1. The last time these two teams met was in last year's BIG EAST Tournament, as the Huskies beat the Bulldogs in an elimination game, 4-1.
The series opener is set for Friday at 6:00pm. Game two will be Saturday afternoon at 2:00pm. The series finale will be on Sunday at 12:00pm. All games will be streamed on UConn+.
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