IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team defeated Northern Illinois, 10-2, in six innings Wednesday evening at Pearl Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Iowa struck first in the second inning. McKenzie Leitgen singled and was pinch-run for by Breanna Caffery, who stole second and scored on a single to left by Phoenyx Silva.
The Hawkeyes extended their lead to 7-0 in the third. Tory Bennett was hit by a pitch, Mariah Myerssingled and Kiara Sipe walked to load the bases. Nailyn Marshall and Leitgen then drew consecutive RBI walks. Silva followed with a three-run single to clear the bases and cap the inning.
Northern Illinois scored twice in the sixth to cut the deficit to five.
Iowa responded in the bottom half of the inning. Devin Simon led off with a single and advanced to second on a walk by Bennett. Myers added an RBI single to score Simon and move Bennett to third. The pair executed a double steal, scoring Bennett and advancing Myers to second. Brianna Johnson then delivered an RBI double to left-center, sealing the 10-2, run-rule victory.
Avery Sapp started in the circle for Iowa, pitching three innings and striking out four. Carly Brewer earned the win, allowing one hit over two innings while striking out one and retiring six of the seven batters she faced.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH STACY MAY-JOHNSON
“It was good to get back out here and gain some confidence with a run-rule win going into the weekend,” head coach Stacy May-Johnson said. “Silva had a great day at third and at the plate. She’s come along nicely this year, and we’re excited about her future here. Our goal now is to stay a game ahead of Minnesota. The big thing is to grab a Friday night win and put ourselves in a great position going forward.”
NOTABLES
• Johnson has recorded three walk-off hits this season.
• Silva went 2 for 3 with four RBIs.
• Four Hawkeyes had multi-hit games: Simon (2), Myers (3), Johnson (2) and Silva (2).
• Iowa recorded six stolen bases.
• Hawkeye pitching combined for five strikeouts.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to Pearl Field from May 1-3 for their home finale series against Purdue. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Friday, followed by 1 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $3 for youth and free for students. Fans can watch on B1G+ (subscription required).
