ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure softball team could not get the offense going, dropping a three-game set to Saint Louis Saturday and Sunday at Joyce Field.
The Billikens (20-21, 12-5 A-10) kept the Bonnies (7-34, 1-20 A-10) off the board in game one Saturday, winning 3-0. Saint Louis grabbed game two from the Brown and White, 6-1, before completing the three-game sweep Sunday with a 9-1 victory.
Game 1 – Saint Louis 3, St. Bonaventure 0 – Box Score (PDF)
It was a pitcher's duel until the Billikens broke through on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning, grabbed a 1-0 lead on an RBI groundout.
The Billikens plated two more runs in the top of the fifth off a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch, taking a three-run lead.
That would be all the run support Saint Louis starter Chloe Wendling would need as she shut down the Bonnies, giving the Billikens the game one victory.
Emily Phalen was in the circle for the Bonnies, striking out three batters in the complete game effort.
Game 2 – Saint Louis 6, St. Bonaventure 1 – Box Score (PDF)
The Billikens wasted no time getting on the board in the night cap, taking an early 2-0 lead in the first, scoring on a fielder's choice and an error.
Saint Louis tacked on four insurance runs in the top of the second frame, taking a commanding 6-0 lead.
Grace Perechinsky pulled one back for the Bonnies in the bottom of the fourth when she belted her fifth home run of the season to left field.
That was all the closer the hosts would get as Saint Louis earned the doubleheader sweep.
Elizabeth Lis earned the start for the Bonnies, tossing 1.2 innings. Tierney Fitzgerald entered in relief, fanning three over 5.1 innings of work.
Game 3 – Saint Louis 9, St. Bonaventure 1 (6 Innings) – Box Score (PDF)
Saint Louis struck first in the top of the third, scoring the game's first run off a sacrifice fly.
The Bonnies were quick to answer in the bottom half of the third when Perechinsky singled home Samantha Moll, tying the game at 1-1.
The Billikens broke the tie their next time up with a two run single to right field, taking a 3-1 advantage.
Saint Louis added a fourth run in the top of the fifth before a five-run sixth inning put the game out of reach for good.
Phelan struck out three batters in 4.0 innings or work for the Bonnies while Fitzgerald pitched 2.0 innings in relief.
The Bonnies are back in action Tuesday, April 26 with a single game at rival Buffalo. First pitch is slated for 3:00 p.m.
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