Same Issues Remain After Ugly Loss to Louisville

By Anthony Vasquez I Ant_Vasquez3

Even though game two of the series with Louisville may have been closer on the scoreboard, Syracuse’s issues reared their ugly heads again in a tight 4-1 loss.

Angel Jasso put everyone on notice with a leadoff single and stolen base to put her in scoring position early. Kelly Breen raised eyebrows after she dribbled an infield single to put the ‘Cuse up 1-0 in the first.

Unfortunately, those raised eyebrows quickly turned into frowning faces when Louisville continued to gather hits that turned into runs off of Lindsey Hendrix.

The sophomore hurler tried to walk the tight rope as she continued to give up hit after hit without giving up the lead. Then in the fourth, the dam broke and runs started spewing out of gaping cracks.

Louisville ended up scoring three runs in the fourth frame to put the dagger through the hearts of the Orange. Otis singled to right, star hitter Taylor Robe made it 3-1 with a sac fly, and Kendall Smith capped off a 3-4 day with an RBI double.

Once again, coach Doepking made the lonely walk to take out another struggling pitcher and replace her with Kaia Oliver who held U of L scoreless the rest of the way. Her effort was valiant but the lifeless Orange bats made it all for naught.

After tallying a couple hits in the first, S.U. managed to get only three singles in the final six innings. It didn’t matter which of the three pitchers head coach Holly Aprile tossed Syracuse’s way considering how effective the trio was.

Relievers Taja Felder and Taylor Roby – yesterday’s winning pitcher – finished the game by tossing four hitless innings.

The hitting issues continue to be a problem for the ‘Cuse and it needs to be figured out fast with only a handful of ACC series left. The final game of series with Louisville is scheduled for high noon tomorrow.

After that, it’s a midweek trip to Colgate before a tough home series against Duke.