DePaul University Athletics
Seventh Inning Pushes DePaul Past Pittsburgh in Game One
4/5/2009 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
CHICAGO With the wind blowing in from centerfield, DePaul pitcher Becca Heteniak and Pittsburgh hurler Cory Berliner engaged in a pitcher’ duel with the Blue Demons scoring the game’s only run in the bottom of the seventh in the first game of a BIG EAST Conference doubleheader at Cacciatore Stadium on Sunday.
DePaul (19-8, 7-1 BIG EAST) had runners in scoring position in the first, second, third and sixth innings but were unable to push any across.
Pinch hitter Marie Thompson lined a double down the right field line to lead off the seventh for the Blue Demons. Shea Warren entered the ballgame to run for Thompson and Sean Plese moved her into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Pittsburgh intentionally walked Amber Patton, who leads the BIG EAST and DePaul with a .489 average. Pinch hitter Lauren Frankiewicz came through in the clutch and a sprinting Warren was able to slide around to tag at home and give DePaul the victory.
Heteniak (10-4) struck out eight, walked while she allowed just one hit.
Berliner (5-7) scattered five hits, walked four and struck out four.
Pittsburgh (15-17, 3-8) had its best chance to score in the third after Yvette Bravo drew a walk was 60 feet from home with two outs, before Heteniak got the final batter to pop out and end the Panther scoring threat.
Patton led the Blue Demons with a 2-for-3 effort and improved her hitting streak to 11 games.
Game two of the doubleheader will be played this afternoon.
