A Pitchers Duel Doesn’t Go in Syracuses’ Favor

Nathaniel Cunningham | @N_cunning_0

One of the fundamental pieces to a softball game is whoever steps in the center circle. In Syracuse Softball (13-10, 1-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) second game against Virginia (16-9, 4-4 ACC), that honor was given to four different players. However, it was the two Cavaliers that came out on top in a 2-1 victory. 

Julia Cuozzo got the start for Virginia and came out hot. It took the freshman just 6 pitches to go 1-2-3 and to get the Cavs offense to the plate. 

Virginia’s offense looked like it was going to capitalize on its good pitching. In the bottom half of the first, Jade Hylton doubled to lead followed by a walk from Bella Cabral. However, SU starter Lindsey Hendrix caused weak contact from the next three batters to get out of the inning. 

There was more dominance from Cuozzo in the top of the second but in the bottom, Virginia hit the board first. After Hendrix gave up another hit to lead off the game, Leah Boggs hit her first home run of the season to give the Cavaliers a two-run lead. 

The Orange would quickly respond in the top of the third but it wouldn’t come without controversy. With runners on second and third with just one out. Madelyn Lopez hit a sacrifice fly to center field that scored one. 

However, SU designated player Angie Ramos collided with shortstop Jade Hylton trying to retreat to second base. As a result, Ramos was charged with interference and was called out. So a run scored but the tying run which would have been on second was out. 

From that point on it was all pitching. Julianna Verni came in for the Orange and gave up just two hits and tallied two strikeouts in four innings of work. While Virginia’s Cuozzo pitched just one more inning without allowing a runner. Then Courtney Layne finished the game without allowing a hit and tallying her first save of the season. 

Virginia got its first win against Syracuse since 2021 but the Cavaliers have never beaten the Orange twice in a row. Both quads can get much-needed wins tomorrow at noon.