April 30, 2005
IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa softball team rebounded from Friday’s loss against the Wisconsin Badgers with a 5-1 victory on Saturday. The Hawkeyes capitalized on four Wisconsin errors and outhit the Badgers, 7-2.
Iowa once again started off strong, plating two runs in the top of the first. Stacy May led off with a single and Summer Downs beat out a bunt and advanced to second on an error by the Wisconsin first baseman. Emily Nichols grounded into a fielder’s choice and May was tagged out on her way to third. Kylie Murray then hit a two-run single up the middle to score Downs and Nichols for an early 2-0 lead.
Wisconsin responded with a run in their half of the first. Sam Polito was hit by an Ali Arnold pitch and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Katie Hnatyk hit a fly ball in foul territory which was caught by Murray, but her attempt to throw out Polito sailed over Iowa’s third baseman Abby Ruff and Polito scored easily.
Back to back Wisconsin errors in the fourth put runners on second and third for Mindy Heidgerken, who singled to knock in Lisa Birocci and Murray for a 4-1 Iowa lead.
Iowa scored an insurance run in the fifth when Murray singled in May. Nichols nearly scored on the play, but was thrown out at home plate by the Wisconsin centerfielder.
Three Hawkeyes collected multiple hits on the day. Murray was 2-3 with three RBI and a run scored while Downs and Heidgerken each had two hits. Heidgerken added two RBI while Downs scored one run.
Arnold improved her record to 18-3, throwing a complete game, two-hitter. The junior struck out seven and walked two.
Iowa will host Minnesota in a doubleheader Sunday at Pearl Field. Game one is scheduled for 12 p.m. University of Iowa President Dr. David Skorton will play the national anthem on saxophone and throw out the first pitch.