WICHITA, KAN., May 3, 2019 – USF battled to extra innings in the series opener against Wichita State, but fell 4-3 when the Shockers hit a solo shot over the right field fence for the walk-off win.
The Bulls (38-16, 16-3) put up the offense early, with senior
Lindsey Devitt (Jacksonville, Fla.) leading off the first inning with a walk. Devitt advanced on a sacrifice bunt and an infield single from junior
AnaMarie Bruni (Schwenksville, Pa.). Bruni stole second and both runners scored when senior
Macy Cook (Uniontown, Ohio) smashed a 2-RBI single to left field.
A two-run homer by the Shockers (30-23, 11-8) tied the game in the bottom of the first, as Wichita State became the first team in 41 days to score on USF in the first inning, dating back to the opening weekend of conference play against Tulsa.
USF answered in the top of the third when Bruni manufactured a run for the Bulls. She drew a walk and made it to third on a steal after the Shockers launched the ball into centerfield. A wild pitch gave Bruni a chance to make it home and give the Bulls the edge.
In a back-and-forth battle, the Shockers matched the Bulls with a run in the bottom of the third. Wichita State doubled to left field to score one.
The Bulls had a close chance when Cook drew a walk in the top of the sixth and redshirt senior
Mia Fung (Tampa) entered to pinch run. She advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and was eventually called out in a close play at home when junior
Kelsey Lay (West Palm Beach, Fla.) singled down the left field line.
Wichita State loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh with a fielder's choice, an intentional walk, and a hit-by-pitch, but a clutch strikeout swinging with two-outs cleared the bases and sent the teams to extra innings.
Bruni got on first with a blast to center field in the eighth inning, but it wasn't enough. Wichita State got the walk-off win with a solo shot over the fence at right field.
Notable
- Neither Wichita State nor USF had lost in extra innings heading into tonight's game
- USF needs just one win against the Shockers to clinch The American regular season title
- Wichita State outhit the Bulls 10-5
Up Next
USF will take on the Shockers at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday and Noon ET on Sunday to close out the regular season.
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.
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.
– #GoBulls –
