Des Moines, Iowa – It was a rubber match between the Drake Bulldogs and Indiana State Sycamores on Saturday from Ron Buel Field as the two Missouri Valley Conference foes squared off looking for a series win. It took all seven innings, but a walk-off sacrifice fly from Ava Curry got the job done for the Bulldogs to earn the 1-0 victory.
 
The offenses for both Drake and Indiana Sate struggled to find any rhythm throughout the contest. Starting pitchers Paige Bedsworth and Hailey Griffin limited the production from either side over their outings, while Jayme Scheck and Lauren Sackett picked up right where the starters left off over their relief appearances.
 
As the scoreboard still showed 0-0 in the bottom of the seventh, Drake had one final chance to end the game in regulation.
 
With one out, the Bulldogs showed their composure at the plate drawing back-to-back walks. Freshman Logan Kelley then came through in a pinch-hit spot with a base knock to left, which loaded the bases.
 
Curry followed Kelley at the plate and produced a fly ball to left field that was deep enough allowing Sami Miller to race home and score the game-winning run.
 
The 12 combined hits between Drake (5) and Indiana State (7) were all singles. Comparatively, the Sycamores left eight runners on base to five by the Bulldogs.
 
In the circle, Bedsworth went 4.0 innings with no runs allowed off five hits. She also racked up six strikeouts and did not walk an opposing batter. Scheck, who was credited with the win, surrendered just two hits over her 3.0 innings of work to go along with three strikeouts and zero walks.
 
Drake's next contest will be on the road for a single game against the UNI Panthers on Tuesday, April 1. First pitch from Cedar Falls is slated for 5:00 p.m. with the game being live streamed on ESPN+.