MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Becky Malchow scored on a wild pitch and Abbey Kruzel threw her first career complete game but Indiana State dropped a close 2-1 decision to Butler Friday morning to split the day's action at the Memphis Softball Tournament.
 
The Sycamores (10-7) registered only four hits but still stranded seven runners on base in the game while Butler (5-10) manufactured two runs on five hits. The Bulldogs scored single runs in the top of the first and third innings.
 
Malchow drew a walk in the bottom of the third then moved over to second on a sacrifice bunt by Leslie Sims. A groundout by Bailey Martin moved her over to third before she jetted home on a wild pitch by Butler's Alyssa Graves (3-4).
 
Kruzel (2-1) went the distance for the Sycamores, allowing the two runs on five hits, struck out a career-best six batters and did not issue a walk.
 
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Becky Malchow gets the nod as her heads up base running – scoring on a wild pitch – provided Indiana State's only run of the game.
 
STAT OF THE GAME
Indiana State's leadoff batters hit .571 (4-for-7) in the game.
 
PITCHERS OF RECORD

• Win: Alyssa Graves, Butler (3-4)
• Loss: Abbey Kruzel, Indiana State (2-1)
• Save: None

RECORDS UPDATE

• Indiana State: 10-7 (9-4 Neutral)
• Butler: 5-10 (4-8 Neutral)

NOTABLES

• Indiana State is now 27-18 all-time against Butler.
• The loss ends a three-game winning streak in the series for the Sycamores.
• The pitching performance marked Abbey Kruzel's first career complete game.
• The six strikeouts for Kruzel marks a new career high.

 
For the latest information on the Sycamore Softball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.