TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State softball dropped the series finale to Drake on Saturday afternoon at Price Field, giving the Bulldogs the series win.
 
The Sycamore offense got off to a hot start, scoring two runs in the first thanks to Bella Peterson's 15^th double of the season followed by a two-run home run to left center by Isabella Henning for her fifth of the season.
 
Drake responded with a run of their own in the second, trimming the Indiana State lead to 2-1 on a Makayla Rice RBI double down the left field line.
 
Indiana State loaded the bases in the third but the Bulldogs were able to escape the jam without allowing a run to score.
 
In the top of the fourth, Drake tied the game at two runs apiece with a RBI single to center field.
 
Macy Johnson gave the Bulldogs a 3-2 lead in the fifth with a solo shot off the top of the scoreboard in right field for her second home run of the 2022 campaign.
 
In the bottom half of the frame, Bella Peterson reached base for the third time on the afternoon and would come around to score after Drake misplayed a Cassie Thomerson fly ball to right field, tying the game at three.
 
The Bulldogs retook the lead in the top of the sixth, getting a sacrifice fly after back-to-back singles to go up 4-3. The next batter was the starting pitcher for Drake in Paige Bedsworth who doubled down the left field line to grow the lead to 5-3.
 
Hailey Griffin sat the Bulldogs down 1-2-3 in the top of the seventh, bringing ISU to the plate for a chance to rally. Bella Peterson reached base for the fourth time of the game with her second double of the game followed by an Isabella Henning single up the middle. Cassie Thomerson then worked a walk to load the bases with two outs but ISU was unable to score, giving Drake the victory.
 
Lexi Benko started for ISU and went 5.1 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, taking the loss which brings her record to 10-10 on the season. Hailey Griffin worked 1.2 innings in relief, picking up one strikeout.
 
Up Next
Indiana State will host Evansville next Wednesday for a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

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