HUNSTVILLE, Texas – The Wichita State softball team rallied from a three-run deficit to defeat Seton Hall, 4-3, on day two of the Bearkat Classic. Laurie Derrio and
Ryleigh Buck led the offense, both going 2-for-3 with Derrico having two RBI.
A two-run home run gave the Pirates an early lead with starting pitcher
Bailey Klitzke only lasting one inning.
Mackenzie Wright led off with a hit for the second game straight with a single to shortstop but a double play and groundout ended the inning.
Seton Hall added another in the second after
Caitlin Bingham took over with runners at third and second, a single got the runner home with a clutch throw from
Madison Perrigan behind home plate catching a runner stealing and a groundout getting the Shockers out the jam.
Asea Webber continued her strong run of at-bats with a double in the bottom half of the inning but the Shockers couldn't get her around. But in the third Wichita State did pull one back with
Morgan Palmer singling to the shortstop and
Ryleigh Buck doubling to get her home.
In the fifth the Shocker offensive came alive. Perrigan led off with a walk and
Cassidy Kelsheimer coming in to pinch run.
Kaylee Huecker executed the sacrifice bunt perfectly to get her to second with Palmer then reaching first on an error. Buck singled and beat out the throw to load the bases before
Bailee Nickerson reached first on another error with Kelsheimer getting home to cut the score to 3-2.
Laurie Derrico smashed the ball at the pitcher in the next at-bat to get Buck and Palmer home and completing the comeback.
Bailey Lange took over in the circle for the sixth but a leadoff triple to deep right put the lead in jeopardy. A groundout and two swinging strikeouts from the junior kept them off the scoreboard and the Shockers in the lead.
A fly out, foul out and groundout gave the Shockers their second win of the day (5-3 overall), with Bingham getting the win (1-1) and Lange getting the save.
Day three of the Bearkat Classic will wrap up the tournament tomorrow with the Shockers set to face No. 4 Washington for the second time.
