Three-Run Ninth Leads 'Cuse past UVA

Sunday, March 18

Charlottesville, VA

12 PM

Syracuse University

Virginia

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

3/18/2018 4:09:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Highlights

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Syracuse (15-8, 4-2 ACC) scored three runs in the ninth inning to grind out a 9-6 victory over Virginia (8-19, 1-5 ACC) Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series. Sophomore Gianna Carideo hit a go-ahead RBI double to spark the ninth-inning rally.

Junior Bryce Holmgren finished 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, two runs and a walk. Carideo batted 1-for-2 with an RBI, a run and a walk.

Freshman Miranda Hearn made her first career start in the circle for the Orange. In three innings, she conceded two runs on three hits with five strikeouts and two walks. Senior AnnaMarie Gatti went the rest of the way for 'Cuse and earned the win. She gave up four runs (two earned) on seven hits with five strikeouts and five walks.

How it was Decided
Holmgren drove in a run with a double in the first to give Syracuse an early lead and Virginia hit back-to-back solo homeruns in the third to jump ahead. The Orange regained the lead in the fourth when two consecutive batters got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Virginia tacked on two in the bottom of the fourth and 'Cuse responded in the fifth with a run on a throwing error along with an RBI single by Hearn. Hearn got caught in a rundown between first and second base on the play, which allowed another run to score, and Syracuse took a 6-4 lead.

The Cavaliers hit a solo homer in the fifth and scored on an RBI groundout in the sixth to tie the game back up.

Junior Hannah Dossett walked to lead off the ninth and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Carideo drove her in with a double and junior Alicia Hansen plated another run with an RBI double. Syracuse scored its final run on an RBI sacrifice bunt by senior Sammy Fernandez.

Of Note
Holmgren has reached base in 45 straight games and leads the ACC with a .507 batting average.

The Orange are off to their best start in ACC play.

Gatti's last four decision have all been wins. She is now 4-3 on the season.

What's Next
Syracuse's game against Albany on Wednesday has been postponed, so next up for the Orange is a three-game series at Florida State starting on Friday, Mar. 23 at 6 p.m.

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