Box Score (PDF)
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Coming back from a 2-0 deficit Sunday, the University of Evansville softball team put up 11 hits to turn what started as a close game into a 14-4 blowout over Indiana State. The five inning victory gave the Aces the series win in the rubber match. With the victory, the Aces improve to 9-28 overall and 4-10 in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Three Aces had a multi-hit game, as sophomore Alicia Betancur and freshman Kacey Rogers both ended the game 2-for-3 at the plate and freshman Katie Sears was 2-for-4. Rogers also led the team with five RBI on the day with a three-run home run in the top of the fifth. Senior Kelci Alsip extended her hitting streak to six games with a single in the third inning.
The Sycamores snagged a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning as Bailey Wittenauer drove a single to right field to score Alex Baumgart. Shelby Wilson then gave Indiana State its second run of the game with a two-out single to right center that plated Steviee Grove in the bottom of the second.
A two-out rally in the top of the third gave UE its first lead of the game. Junior Amy Gaertner sparked the comeback as she was put on board with a hit by pitch. Betancur singled up the middle to put runners on second and first before Indiana State starter Kristen Felker issued three consecutive walks to bring in the tying two runs for UE. Alsip then scored from third on a wild pitch to put UE ahead 3-2. Felker loaded the bases with her fourth walk of the inning before Sara Evans entered the game in relief to face pinch hitter Allison Aguilera. Aguilera roped a line drive to left field to drive in two more runs for the Aces, giving UE a 5-2 lead before the inning ended.
Gaertner belted a double off the centerfield wall to spur another rally for the Aces in the top of the fourth. Betancur walked behind Gaertner before Alsip singled up the middle to bring home Gaertner, rounding Evansville’s lead to 6-2. Rogers later singled up the middle to plate two more runs as Evansville padded its lead at 8-2.
The Sycamores loaded the bases in bottom of the fourth before Wittenauer singled to left field to score two runs as Indiana State cut the Aces’ lead to 8-4 going into the top of the fifth.
Two walks and a Sycamore error loaded the bases for the Aces in the top of the fifth inning before Betancur singled to bring home two more runs for UE. Freshman Niki Rahming followed with a singled to shallow right field to plate Betancur and put UE ahead 11-4. Chelsea Wallace took Evans’ place on the mound, but Rogers immediately blasted a three-run shot over the left field fence to increase the Aces’ lead to 14-4.
The Sycamores were unable to answer in the bottom of the frame, giving UE the 14-4 mercy rule win.
Freshman starter Taylor Perry (1-4) picked up her first collegiate win in the circle, scattering four hits in three innings of work. Freshman Emily Morris secured the win in her relief appearance, allowing just two unearned runs over the final two innings.
The Aces will return to action Wednesday, traveling to Saint Louis for a midweek doubleheader against the Billikens.
