Syracuse Beats Iowa 11-4 In Final Game of ACC/BIG 10 Challenge

By: Adam Gotkin | @adam_gotkin

Citrus TV Softball Beat Reporter 

RALEIGH, NC – A new day, a new game for Syracuse Softball. After going 0-2 yesterday, the Orange had a chance today to turn the page and forget about yesterday’s losses. This game featured a better start for the Cuse than the prior three games of the weekend. For the first time, Syracuse didn’t give up any runs in the first two innings as Madison Knight got the start. Knight allowed her fair share of runners on in the opening innings, but did what she does best to get out of jams unharmed. Then it truly became the Madison Knight show. In the bottom of the 3rd Knight came up to the plate with the bases loaded and no outs. The Baltimore native ripped a single into right field to bring home two runs and give Syracuse its first lead of the weekend. 

Kelly Breen then followed Knight with a three-run home run to put Syracuse up by five runs in the bottom of the 3rd. Olivia Pess then got the bases loaded, still with no outs, and kept the lineup moving with a single. One more run scored on a passed ball and Syracuse led by seven at the end of the 3rd. 

In the latter innings, both teams continued to add on runs here and there, but Syracuse’s early inning firepower allowed the Orange to hold on comfortably. Iowa scored two runs in the top of the 5th then Syracuse answered with three of its own in the bottom. All three runs came from a Kelly Breen single to give her six RBIs on the day. The Orange beat the Hawkeyes 11-4.

Syracuse heads to Charleston next weekend to take part in the Low Country Classic. The Cuse take on Robert Morris, Charleston and Rutgers. 

ajgotkin@syr.edu | @adam_gotkin