Hoosiers Split Doubleheader with Butler

Tuesday, April 10

Bloomington, Ind.

5:00 PM ET

Indiana University

15-23

Butler

12-20

Butler

Indiana

4/10/2018 10:39:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Box Score (PDF) - Game One Box Score (PDF) - Game Two Photos - Game One Photos - Game Two

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana Softball split a doubleheader with Butler on Tuesday evening at Andy Mohr Field, winning the first game, 7-2, before falling in the night cap, 4-1.

Indiana 7, Butler 2
In game one, the Hoosiers were led by a 2-for-3 outing from senior Rebecca Blitz and a two-run, two-RBI game by senior Rachel O'Malley.

After junior Tara Trainer struck out the first three Bulldogs she saw to start the game, the Hoosiers put up a run in the home half of the frame. After Blitz singled back to the Bulldog pitcher, she stole second before advancing to third on a Butler throwing error. She was then brought in on an RBI single from sophomore Gabbi Jenkins.

The Bulldogs quickly got that run back as Kaitlin Doud hit a solo homer on a one-out shot to left field.

However, Indiana took the lead for good in the bottom of the second as O'Malley led off the frame with a solo home run to center. After a double from junior Sarah Galovich, she was brought home on an RBI single by freshman Taylor Lambert to give IU a 3-1 advantage.

The Hoosiers turned to small ball in the third inning to plate four runs. After Blitz singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jenkins, she stole third base. Freshman Maddie Westmoreland then laid down a bunt, bringing in Blitz. A single by sophomore Katie Lacefield put a pair of runners in scoring position for O'Malley, who put a bunt down to score freshman Makayla Ferrari, in running for Westmoreland. Lacefield then scored on a wild pitch before the final Hoosier run came on a double steal as O'Malley stole home to make it 7-1.

A throwing error in the final frame brought in a second Bulldog run as Payton Longest scored. However, Butler would get no closer.

Trainer earned the win for Indiana, tossing 4.0 innings with just one hit, one run and five strikeouts. Redshirt sophomore Josie Wood provided 3.0 solid innings in relief, allowing just two hits and a run while striking out two.

"Game one was a lot of fun," said Stanton. "We put pressure on the defense with stolen bases, we played small ball. Blitz was great, we swapped her and Gabbi in the lineup and saw some great things. We clutched up, whether it was a squeeze or on hits. We capitalized on things and were able to execute and I really liked our attack and aggressiveness."

Butler 4, Indiana 1
The finale saw the Hoosiers put together a rally that fell short in the final inning. Galovich had another big outing at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run.

Butler jumped out to a 4-0 third inning lead that the Hoosiers were unable to overcome. The Bulldogs capitalized on a trio of Hoosier errors as three of their four runs were unearned.

"You can't spot anybody three unearned runs," said Stanton. "We didn't hit to start the game and in those middle innings, our focus wasn't where it needed to be. We can't worry about our first at bat, the focus needs to be on the next pitch."

The first run of the game came in the opening inning as an overthrow on a look to second base allowed Butler's Alyssa Lach to score.

An RBI single by Christina Gilliland scored a second Bulldog run in the following inning before a two-run single by Christina Candotti made it 4-0. The single came with two outs in a frame that began with a throwing error on a dropped third strike.

The Hoosiers got on the board in the final inning thanks to a solo home run by Galovich, her third homer of the year. IU looked to get closer as senior Aimilia McDonough singled and senior Taylor Uden drew a walk with no outs, but a strikeout and double play ended the game.

Sophomore Emily Goodin took the loss for Indiana as she got the start in the game. Senior Emily Kirk put together an impressive relief outing, going 4.0 scoreless frames with just three hits allowed and five strikeouts.

"We saw people step up and I was pleased with that in this game," said Stanton. "Aimilia's hit in the seventh, Uden drawing the walk, Kirk gave us great innings and was huge for us today."

IU returns to Big Ten action this weekend as the Hoosiers travel to College Park, Md. to take on the Maryland Terrapins. First pitch of the series is slated for Friday at 6 p.m.

"Our goals are still in front of us as we return to Big Ten play," said Stanton. "I saw some good things today and if we clean up things on the defensive side and take care of the ball, I'll be excited to see what we can do the rest of the season."