Box Score TAMPA, April 8, 2016 – An eight-run first inning and another solid pitching performance from senior Erica Nunn led the USF softball team to a 9-1 win over UConn Friday night. The Bulls are now 6-1 in conference play and have won all three of their series openers.
USF (34-10, 6-1 American) batted around, sending 12 to the plate in an explosive first inning, completely erasing a 1-0 deficit. Kristen Wyckoff drew a walk and showed her speed on the base paths, coming home on a one-out RBI double by Mo Santos. Two batters later, Santos scored on an RBI single from Nunn.
With two outs and the bases full of Bulls, Sam Worrell lined a ground-rule double into centerfield, allowing Santos and Nunn to score and giving USF a three-run lead. Astin Donovan added an RBI single of her own and came home a batter later on a throwing error by the UConn right fielder. Wyckoff and Juli Weber each added RBI singles and Wyckoff added her second run of the game as the Bulls jumped out to an 8-1 lead.
In the second, USF plated another run on a Worrell RBI single. Lee Ann Spivey and Nunn reached on a walk and a double, respectively, to lead off the inning. After the Huskies got two quick outs, Worrell singled just past the leaping grab of the shortstop to plate Spivey.
The Bulls would be held scoreless for the final three innings, but that wouldn't matter, as Nunn would stifle the Huskies, allowing just two hits in the final four frames.
UConn got on the board in the first inning on an RBI single from Alyssa Gardea.
Nunn picked up her 18th win of the season, throwing her second complete game of the week. She gave up just one earned run on five hits, striking out six and walking one.
With the exception of Weber, every batter in the starting lineup recorded a run. Worrell and Nunn led the way with two hits apiece, while six different Bulls recorded an RBI and nine accounted for the Bulls' 11 hits.
USF and UConn will meet again Saturday, April 9, at 4 p.m. for the second game of the series. Saturday's game will be Military Appreciation Day.
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. Get your season tickets and mini plans HERE. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 12 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012.
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