MACOMB, Ill. — The University of Iowa softball team defeated Western Illinois (7-1) on Wednesday afternoon at McKee Stadium.
Senior Breanna Vasquez got the midweek start and took a perfect game into the fifth inning. On the afternoon, Vasquez went five innings allowing no runs on one hit and struck out nine hitters. Four Hawkeyes had multi-hit games, led by junior Sammy Diaz, who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. The one through three hitters went 6-for-11 with five runs scored and three RBIs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Two of Iowa’s first three batters reached base in the first inning. They both came around to score on an RBI single from Diaz as the Hawkeyes took an early 2-0 lead. Vasquez was dominant to start the contest, as she had four strikeouts through two innings.
Iowa started the third inning with three-straight singles and was able to extend its lead to four. In the fourth, sophomore Tristin Doster led off the inning with a walk. With two outs, senior Nia Carter came through with a single up the middle to score the runner from second and make it 5-0. Freshman Tory Bennett led off the top of the fifth with a single and came around to score on an RBI triple from Diaz to extend the Hawkeye advantage to six. Diaz scored on a groundout to make it 7-0.
Western Illinois got its first baserunner in the bottom of the fifth via hit by pitch. They followed that up with a single to end Vasquez’s no-hit bid. Vasquez locked in and struck out the side the strand both runners.
Sophomore Devyn Greer entered the game in relief in the sixth inning for Iowa. The Leathernecks got back-to-back singles to open the frame and were able to load the bases with one out. Western Illinois got on the board on a bases-loaded walk, but Greer was able to limit the damage as the inning ended with the score, 7-1.
Freshman Jalen Adams came in in the seventh to close out the game and secure the win for Iowa. The Hawkeyes finished with seven runs on nine hits and had one error.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“Midweek games are hard, but we came out ready to play and we picked up a very important win. We had great production with runners on today and were really able to capitalize to put us in a good position to win.”
HEAR FROM THE STUDENT-ATHLETES
“It was a really good day all around today. We have been working really hard in the bullpen on the little things and I was able to execute that in the circle. My defense made plays and the offense provided run support. We are going to use this momentum to keep us going into the weekend at Minnesota.” – Vasquez
“I was trying to keep it simple with the same approach every at bat. I think our hitters did a great job executing with runners on base. Bre did an amazing job in the circle, and I am happy that we got the win.” – Diaz
NOTABLES
- Iowa leads the all-time series with Western Illinois, 28-23
- Carter extended her on-base streak to 11 games and her hit streak to eight.
- Diaz matched her career high for hits in a game (3).
UP NEXT
Iowa (28-17) returns to action on Friday traveling to Minneapolis to face Minnesota in a three-game series. First pitch at Cowles Stadium is scheduled for 5 p.m. (CT). The game will be streamed at B1G+ (subscription required) and broadcast live on Hawkeye Radio Network.