Nicole Cruts’ run-scoring single in the top of the eighth inning put the visitors on top briefly. However, host Indiana (Pa.) scored two runs in the bottom half of the frame with nobody out to complete the doubleheader sweep over West Chester, 11-10.
IUP (14-8-1) took game one of the doubleheader, 8-0 in five innings, from West Chester (19-16).
The Crimson Hawks scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning of game two to erase a 9-3 deficit and pull even with the Golden Rams. After a scoreless seventh, the Rams got things going in extra innings when J.P. Norris singled up the middle to lead off the eighth. Jill Murray then pinch-hit and sacrificed Norris to second. Norris stole third with one out that set up Cruts’ RBI single that put West Chester on top, 10-9.
Golden Rams reliever Devon Utterback (8-9) allowed the first three batters in the bottom of the eighth to reach on a single and a pair of walks. A fielder’s choice in which the Rams failed to get an out allowed the tying run to score, before Tara Waldo singled in the game-winning run. Waldo went 3-for-4 with four RBI in the nightcap, including a three-run homer during the six-run sixth that tied the game.
Kate Skokowski started the game for West Chester inside the circle, but ran into trouble in the sixth. She allowed nine runs on 14 hits. However, she allowed just three runs on eight hits up until the sixth.
Norris went 3-for-4 with her second home run in as many days and three RBI in the second game. Megan Kelly was 3-for-4 as well while Jess Schuck went 3-for-5. Kim Begley had a pair of RBI, hitting her second home run in the week.
In the opener, IUP scored four runs in the first, two more in the fourth and two more in the fifth to end the game after five, 8-0. Three of the Crimson Hawks’ four runs in the first inning were unearned. The Golden Rams managed just three hits in the loss.
Utterback took the loss, starting and lasting four-plus innings. She allowed seven runs on five hits, only four of them were earned. Kim Murl faced two batters in the fifth and allowed the eighth run of the game.
West Chester travels to Shippensburg on Tuesday for a PSAC East doubleheader beginning at 2:30 p.m.
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