STORRS, Conn. – The UConn softball team defeated the Butler Bulldogs, 5-3 on Sunday afternoon at Burrill Family Field. The win secures the Huskies fourth series win this season, moving UConn to 9-3 in BIG EAST play and 21-13 overall.
Junior Hope Jenkins made her sixth start of the season in the circle for the Huskies. Jenkins went 4.0 innings giving up three runs on three hits with a strikeout. She moves to 6-2 this season.
Butler opened the scoring in the top of the second inning on a three-run home run, giving the Bulldogs an early 3-0 lead.
UConn responded right away in the bottom half of the second inning, scoring three runs, tying the game at 3-3. The top of the Huskies order came through, stringing together three straight two-out hits. Senior outfielder Lexi Hastings got it started with a single to shortstop. Hastings used her speed to force a bad throw from the Butler shortstop, allowing Haley Coupal to score from second base on the bad throw. Junior catcher Grace Jenkins followed with a double down the left field line, scoring Hastings from second base. Junior infielder Kaiea Higa delivered the game tying hit with a single to center field, scoring Jenkins from second base.
UConn took the lead in the third inning, scoring two runs on three hits. Hastings once again came through with a clutch two-out hit, doubling to center field, scoring Haley Coupal and Kaitlyn Kibling, giving the Huskies a 5-3 lead.
Graduate student Payton Kinney came on in relief for Jenkins in the middle of the fifth inning, making her 20th appearance of the season. Kinney closed out the win in the circle for the Huskies, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings, only giving up a pair of hits, adding two strikeouts.
News and Notes
- Kaiea Higa extended her hitting streak to 11 straight games, a team high this season. She has recorded RBIs in seven of her last eight games.
- Lexi Hastings recorded her 12th multi-hit and 5th multi-RBI games this season. She has reached base safely in 8 straight games and has five RBI in her last three games.
- Grace Jenkins recorded her 10th multi-hit game this season as she hit a game high two doubles for the second time this season. She has reached base safely in 12 straight games and has ten hits in her last six games.
- Cat Petteys has reached base safely in 9 straight games. She has six hits in her last four games.
- Haley Coupal has reached base safely in 8 straight games. She has five hits in her last four games.
- UConn has nine doubles in their last three games.
- UConn drew eight walks.
- UConn left ten runners on base in the first four innings.
Up Next
UConn returns to action on Tuesday, April 8 as the Huskies welcome UMASS to Storrs. First pitch is set for 4:00pm at Burrill Family Field. Get your tickets at UConnTickets.com
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