UConn Comeback Dooms Softball
April 18, 2006 | Softball
STORRS, Conn. – UConn scored eight runs in the final three innings to earn a come-from-behind 11-5 victory over the Boston University softball team Tuesday afternoon. The Terriers led 5-3 in the fourth inning, but could not hold on, as they lost for the fourth time in five games. BU fell to 20-21 on the season, while the Huskies improved to 16-21.
The Terriers jumped on top right out of the gate, as Tyler Benson hit a one-out single in the first inning, went to second on a base hit by Christy Leath and scored on Brandi Shields’ RBI single.
UConn tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the frame, then took a 3-1 lead in the second off BU starter Shayne Lotito. The Terriers roared back in the top of the third tying the game at 3-3 thanks to some shoddy UConn defense. Benson doubled and Leath walked to put runners at first and second with one out. An error by Huskie 1B Kelly Castner allowed Benson to score, and Leath touched the plate on Josey Mendez’ sacrifice fly.
The Terriers reclaimed the lead with two runs in the fourth. Melissa Dubay led off the inning with a walk and Molly Gallagher singled. Lotito promptly belted a double, plating both runners and giving the Terriers a 5-3 lead.
The advantage was short-lived, however. Catcher Diana Del Porte hit a three-run home run off Terrier reliever Melody Popravak to give the Huskies a 6-5 edge. UConn would tack on four runs in the fifth and one more in the sixth, to salt away the victory.
Benson had a superb day for the Terriers, going 4-4 with a double and two runs scored. She had been just 2-13 prior to Tuesday’s outburst. Leath and Dubay had two hits apiece to help pace BU’s 11-hit attack. Jackie Ortega was 4-4 with three runs scored and three RBI for UConn, while Andrea Gendron was 3-3 with two RBI.
Popravak (1-4) suffered the loss for BU, allowing seven runs on seven hits in 2.1 IP. Lotito allowed three runs on six hits in 2.0 IP, in a no-decision. Rene Crossin (3-4) earned the win for UConn, allowing no runs on four hits in relief.
The Terriers return to action Thursday afternoon when they travel to Boston College. Game time is 3 p.m. in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
