Softball Drops Game Two at Indiana

Saturday, March 21

Bloomington, Ind.

1:00 PM

Rutgers

11-8, 0

Indiana

10-21, 0

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Rutgers	0	1	4	0	2	0	0	7	12	1
Indiana	0	0	0	0	3	2	3	8	13	1

Mar 22 | Softball

Box Score

March 22, 2015

Final Stats

BLOOMINGTON, IND. (March 21, 2015) - Despite generating a 7-0 lead in game two of its inaugural Big Ten series, the Rutgers women's softball team dropped an 8-7 decision to Indiana on Saturday afternoon at the Andy Mohr Field.

"We hit the ball well again today," said head coach Jay Nelson. "When you score seven runs, it is hard to give up the win.Tomorrow we need to put together a well-pitched game and continue to hit the way we have been in these first two games."

Junior Melanie Slowinski (Severn, Md.) led the Scarlet Knights with a career-high three hits, including her second home run of the weekend. Classmate Elizabeth Adams (Crystal Lake, Ill.) tied her career-high with two hits and two RBIs, in addition to the first home run of her collegiate career.

Rutgers moves to an overall record of 11-8 and a 1-1 mark in the Big Ten, while Indiana improves to a record of 10-21 and a mark of 1-1 in conference play.

After a scoreless first inning for either side, Adams registered an RBI single to put Rutgers on the board first in the top of the second. In the bottom half of the inning, sophomore Shayla Sweeney (Barrington, N.J.) escaped a jam by prompting two consecutive ground outs to strand the leading runs on base.

Rutgers picked up its momentum in the top of the third as junior Stephanie Huang (Paramus, N.J.) registered her second hit in as many at bats to lead off the inning. Senior Chandler Howard (North Wilmington, Del.) followed with a double to left center to put runners on second and third. Back-to-back RBI singles from juniors Jordan Whitley (Clayton, Del.) and Slowinski extended RU's lead to 3-0.

The Scarlet Knights weren't finished yet. Sophomore Carly Todd (Deptford, N.J.) brought in two more runs on a strong base hit to push RU's lead to 5-0.

The Hoosiers attempted to cut into the deficit in their next at bat by loading the bases via two hits and a drawn walk. However, the Scarlet Knights shut down the comeback recording three straight outs to end the inning unharmed.

Rutgers tacked on two more runs as Slowinski led off the fifth inning with her second homer of the weekend. Adams followed with the first home run of her career to give the Scarlet Knights a 7-0 lead.

In the bottom half of the fifth, Indiana found a burst, registering three runs to diminish the margin to 7-3. Senior Dresden Maddox (Kennesaw, Ga.) entered the circle for RU and struck out the final batter to prevent any further damage.

After RU was unable to get anything across in the top of the sixth, IU added a pair of runs to make it a two-run game headed into the final inning.

Despite two hits in its final at bat, Rutgers stranded the insurance runs on base as Indiana got its final chance at the plate. The Hoosiers would go on to register three runs on three hits to mount the comeback and take the win.

Rutgers looks for a chance to clinch the series in the finale on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 12:30 p.m.

KNIGHT NOTES

Rutgers and Indiana are tied 1-1 after the first two games of the series.
Liz Adams registered the first home run of her career.
Adams also tied her career-highs in hits (2), RBIs (2) and at bats (4).
Melanie Slowinski went 3-for-4 on the day, setting a new career-best with three hits.
Slowinski recorded a home run for the second consecutive game after recording her first of the season in the victory over Indiana.
Stephanie Huang extended her hit streak to 11 straight contests.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers softball, follow the program on Twitter (@RUSoftball) and Instagram (@RU_Softball). The team is also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersSB ).

- RU-