DePaul University
Villanova
DePaul Run-Rules Villanova in Home Opener
3/30/2018 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
Box Score
CHICAGO - The DePaul softball team got its 2018 home slate started the right way Friday afternoon at Cacciatore Stadium, trumping visiting Villanova 11-3 in a five inning, run-rule victory.
After a scoreless first inning, the Blue Demons (21-11, 4-0 BE) ripped open the game in the bottom of the second inning, scoring eight runs. Left fielder Kate Polucha put DePaul on the board with an RBI-single to left and then, with the bases loaded, designated player Morgan Greenwood unloaded on a grand slam off the scoreboard in right center field.
Center fielder Angela Scalzitti continued the pressure on the Wildcats with an RBI-double to score first baseman Haydn Christensen from second. Next, shortstop Maranda Gutierrez rocketed a two-run home run to left, pushing the DePaul advantage to 8-0.
Villanova (10-11, 0-1 BE) chipped away at DePaul's lead, scoring a run in the top of the third on an RBI-single by catcher Lauren Hanna.
In the bottom of the third, the Blue Demons wasted no time adding to their lead as third basemen Alysia Rodriguez took the first pitch of the inning and launched it over the left field fence. Then, Scalzitti knocked in her second and third RBIs of the afternoon with an RBI-double to make it 11-1 in DePaul's favor.
After a scoreless fourth inning, the Wildcats rallied for two runs in the top of the fifth before Missy Zoch got out of the jam. Zoch (11-3) picked up the win, allowing just three earned runs on five hits. Friday's five-inning effort was her ninth complete game of the season.
The Blue Demons now continue doubleheader action against Villanova starting at 2:30 p.m. DePaul will wrap up its three-game set with the Wildcats on Saturday. First pitch from Cacciatore Stadium is set for 11 a.m.
Game Notes
-DePaul is 19-2 in 2018 when it scores first.
-Coach Lenti's squad is currently on a four-game winning streak.
-DePaul leads the all-time series with Villanova 22-4.
