DePaul University
Butler
Rally Falls Short for DePaul in Series Finale
3/20/2022 5:09:00 PM | SOFTBALL
Blue Demons drop rubber match in 4-3 extra innings decision
CHICAGO — Despite a three-run rally in the seventh inning to force extra innings, DePaul could not complete the comeback bid eventually falling to Butler 4-3 in eight innings on Sunday afternoon.
The Blue Demons fall to 11-14 overall and 1-2 in the BIG EAST after the series finale setback.
Kate Polucha revived the Blue Demons with a two-out, two-RBI single to center in the seventh before Nicole Sullivan extended the ball game in the next at bat with an RBI single sent just over second base.
The Bulldogs were the first to jump on the board in the second inning after the leadoff batter was hit by a pitch and the ensuing at bat saw an RBI triple sent to right field.
The bottom of the third inning saw Gutierrez and Hilger reach base on a pair singles to left field but neither could be pushed across as the Blue Demons remained without a run.
The Blue Demons saw a couple more chances in the fourth with Sullivan and Pool drawing walks and advancing on a wild pitch, but neither could be pushed across.
Butler (16-8, 4-1) put two insurance runs up in the sixth inning to widen their advantage to 3-0 on a leadoff home run followed by a single and RBI double.
Looking for a rally in the seventh, Gutierrez tapped a single back to the pitcher before Hilger reached on an error from Butler. Polucha sent a two-out, two-RBI single to center field to plate the runners and narrow the deficit to one. Sullivan tied the score at 3-3 on an RBI single to center to extend the game.
The Bulldogs reclaimed the lead for good in the eighth inning after a leadoff double crossed the plate on a pair of sacrifices.
Sarah Lehman pitched seven innings and surrendered three runs on eight hits before Natalie Halvorson allowed two hits and the eventual game-winning run in final inning of relief work.
DePaul will return to non-conference action on Wednesday with the short trip to Notre Dame. First pitch from Melissa Cook Stadium is schedule for 4 p.m. CT
