Badgers Top Hawkeyes, Take Series

April 17, 2016

IOWA40

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Wisconsin scored three runs in the final three innings to earn a, 3-1, series-clinching victory over the University of Iowa softball team on Sunday afternoon at Bob Pearl Field.

Runners left on base proved to be the difference as the Hawkeyes stranded nine runners in the contest.

“We left nine runners on base and had the bases loaded with one out,” said UI head coach Marla Looper. “Everyone was trying to do too much instead of playing team ball offensively.”

The Hawkeyes found the scoreboard first, plating a run in the bottom of the second. Redshirt senior Holly Hoffman and sophomore Angela Schmiederer led off the inning with back-to-back singles. One batter later, freshman Mallory Kilian walked to load the bases with one out. Sophomore Sarah Kurtz followed, sending a sacrifice fly to right to give the Hawkeyes a 1-0 lead.

Redshirt junior Shayla Starkenburg took a no-hitter into the fifth inning, before Wisconsin used a pinch hitter to spark its offense. The Badgers scored the tying run in the bottom of the fifth on a double and an RBI single, before taking the lead in the top of the sixth. Wisconsin utilized a walk, an Iowa error, a sacrifice bunt, and a two-run single to take a 3-1 lead.

“Shayla was solid through four,” said Looper. “They got the first hit in the fifth, which you know, you tip your hat. The kid took an inside pitch and barely put it down on the line. I was hoping we could hold them at that point. She didn’t tuck her tail though. She continued to bear down, and gave us a great outing today.”

Iowa threatened in the sixth — loading the bases with one out — but could not come up with a timely hit as the Badgers held on to win the Big Ten Conference series (2-1).

Starkenburg (4-10) took the loss in the circle. She allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks. She struck out four in seven innings of work.

Sophomore Claire Fritsch and Hoffman led the Hawkeyes at the dish. Fritsch went 2-for-3 with a single, double, and a walk, while Hoffman registered a pair of singles.

The Hawkeyes (12-28; 2-12) return to Bob Pearl Field on Tuesday, April 19, for a doubleheader against No. 18 Missouri. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. (CT).