April 29, 2005
IOWA CITY –
The University of Iowa softball team was upset by the Wisconsin Badgers Friday, 6-3. Wisconsin scored six unanswered runs in the final two innings to defeat the Hawkeyes.
Iowa jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Stacy May led off the game with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Summer Downs then grounded out to second base, advancing May to third. Emily Nichols followed with an RBI single up the middle, scoring May for the first run of the contest.
The Hawkeyes struck again in the fourth inning. Kylie Murray singled to center field and was replaced on the base path by Abby Ruff. Lisa Birocci then belted a two-run home run into right center field to make the score, 3-0.
The Wisconsin bats woke up in the sixth, scoring four runs on four hits. Kris Zacher led of the inning with a solo home run and after giving up two hits, Birocci was relieved by Ali Arnold. Joey Daniels walked to load the bases and Ricci Robben ripped a double to right field, clearing the bases to give the Badgers a 4-3 lead.
After the Badgers scored two insurance runs in the top of the seventh, Iowa threatened but couldn’t mount a comeback. Mindy Heidgerken sprinted out an infield single and Natalie Johnson reached on an infield error. Downs walked, which loaded the bases for Nichols with two outs but a slow line drive back to the pitcher ended the contest.
Murray led the Hawkeyes offensively, going 2-3. Birocci was 1-3 with two RBI and a run scored.
Arnold picked up the loss, giving up three runs in two and two-thirds innings of relief. Birocci started the game, earning a no decision. She threw just over five innings and gave up three runs on five hits and struck out nine.
The Hawkeyes and Badgers will face off again Saturday at 12 p.m. at Pearl Field.