No. 13 Virginia Run-Rules Pitt In Series OpenerNo. 13 Virginia Run-Rules Pitt In Series Opener

No. 13 Virginia Run-Rules Pitt In Series Opener

Box Score

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The No. 13 Virginia softball team (29-3, 7-2 ACC) exploded early at the plate to pick up a 10-0 run-rule victory over Pittsburgh (17-14, 4-6 ACC) at Palmer Park on Friday (March 27)

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Cavaliers capitalized on a fielding error on a fly ball to left field to push three runs home in the first inning. The first run came home off the error on the fly ball to left from Bella Cabral. Kelsey Hackett then drove in two more with a single to center in the next at bat for the 3-0 lead.

Virginia exploded for six runs in the second inning, using a bases clearing double from Macee Eaton, an RBI triple from Hackett and a two-run home run from Alex Call to put together the big inning.


The final Virginia run came in the third inning with a Kassidy Hudson single to second, scoring Jaiden Griffith on the two-out chopper up the middle.

Julia Cuozzo (5-1) picked up the victory, working 3.0 innings with a walk and two strikeout while allowing only one hit. Eden Bigham closed out the final 2.0 innings with one hit allowed and two strikeouts.

Gwen Sparks (2-3) took the loss, allowing the nine runs on seven hits with two walks. Eight of the runs were earned in the outing.

NOTING THE HOOS

  • Macee Eaton’s three RBI double took her season total to 48 which is eighth most in a season at UVA.
  • Alex Call’s home run in the second inning was her fifth of the season – tied for fifth most on the team.
  • Kesley Hackett’s three RBI in the game tied her career high, matching a mark set three times previously.

    FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN
    “It’s been a really funky week for us (with the schedule). I told the team after we played that the most resilient people are adaptable. They were incredibly adaptable this last week. We came out with a lot of intensity and intent. The pitching staff pounded the zone and set the tone early. We were locked in across all three phases and intent despite a challenging week. This is the grind of season where every game feels heavy. I love that from pregame through the last out it was a total team effort. We have to bring that again Saturday because Pitt is going to come out ready to go.”

    UP NEXT FOR THE HOOS
    Virginia and Pittsburgh face off again on Saturday (March 28) with a 2 p.m. first pitch at Palmer Park. Admission to all regular season home games is free to the public. Fans are encouraged to park in the lot directly across from Palmer Park as the surface lots and garage at JPJ will be for a performance at the arena.