TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State opened both their home and conference season with a 6-2 victory over Valparaiso in the first game of their three-game series on Friday afternoon.
The Sycamores offense exploded for 10 hits in the win, with Goodrich leading the charge, going 4-for-4 with two runs and 2 RBIs. Poulson and Welch each contributed with two hits, with Welch driving in two runs. Colip and Cornwell each added a hit, while Kapelka scored a run.
The Sycamores struck first, taking a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Madison Poulson led off with a single to left, followed by a bunt from Morgan Goodrich. Sophie Esposito then reached on a fielder's choice, advancing Goodrich to second, but Poulson was thrown out at third on the play.
Livi Colip popped up to shortstop, but an error allowed Goodrich to score the game's first run while Esposito advanced to third.
Another error on a ball hit by Abby Widmar brought Esposito home, giving Indiana State the 2-0 advantage. Valparaiso's defense struggled early, with two costly miscues.
Valparaiso quickly responded in the top of the second, tying the game at 2-2. Szostak led off the inning with a solo home run to left field.
After a walk by Rodas, Griffin bounced back with a strikeout, but a couple of singles brought in the tying run. The Beacons left two runners stranded, and Griffin escaped further damage to end the inning.
Indiana State regained the lead in the bottom of the second, pushing two runs across for a 4-2 advantage. Kenzie Cornwell led off with an infield single, and after a flyout, Luci Kapelka walked to put two runners on.
Poulson grounded out to first, advancing both runners into scoring position. With two outs, Goodrich delivered a clutch triple to right-center, driving in Cornwell and Kapelka to advance their lead over the Beacons.
In the bottom of the fifth, Hannah Welch delivered Indiana State's second two-run triple of the day, driving in Jordan Thatcher (who pinch ran for Livi Colip) and Goodrich.
After back-to-back singles from Goodrich and Colip put two runners in scoring position, Welch launched a ball to right-center, increasing the Sycamores lead to 6-2.
Hailey Griffin was dominant in the circle, pitching a complete game to secure the win. She allowed seven hits and two runs, both earned, while walking five batters and striking out eight in her seven innings of work.
Up Next:
The Sycamores and Beacons will play Game 2 of the series tomorrow at noon, a time change from the originally scheduled 2 p.m. start due to predicted weather conditions.
Follow the Sycamores
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. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.
#MarchOn
