DES MOINES, Iowa -- Despite a 13-hit performance and a three -un rally in the seventh inning, the Bulldog softball team fell to UIC today, 8-7.
Drake was able to keep pace with UIC early, holding the Flames to one run through the first three innings. After allowing two runs in the bottom of the fourth, four Bulldog hits, including a 2 RBI double by
Abby Martin and an RBI single by
Addie Lightner, evened the score at 3.
Then, Drake allowed five unanswered runs in the bottom of the fifth on five hits. The Bulldogs added on one run via an
Emma Dighton RBI single in the top of the sixth.
Trailing 8-4 the Bulldogs entered the top of the seventh in need of a spark. A leadoff walk by
Abby Martin got Drake started the right way, as a
Destiny Lewis RBI single added the fifth Bulldog run of the day. A
Frankie Rita walk and
Allie Bishoff single loaded the bases.
MaKayla Rice batted in Lewis on a single to narrow the margin to 6-8, with the bases loaded and only one out.
A pitching change by UIC created the second out quickly as
Carey Koenig flew out. With the bases still loaded,
Emma Dighton walked in a run. The Bulldogs eventually fell just short as
Skylar Rigby grounded out to the pitcher, giving UIC the 8-7 victory.
Notable Bulldog performances included Makayla Rice (2-4, RBI),
Emma Dighton (2-3, 2 RBI), and
Abby Martin (1-3, 2 RBI).
Drake (20-23, 8-12) is scheduled for the rubber match in this three-game series against UIC tomorrow, Sunday April 28 at noon. They will take on the Iowa State Cyclones at home on Wednesday, May 1.
