EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- A big fourth inning wouldn't be enough for UNI softball to extend their winning streak as they fell in nine innings to the Evansville Aces.
A three-run homer in extras would be the deciding factor in a tight game to end the series between the Panthers and the Aces on Sunday afternoon. Despite starting pitcher Kailyn Packard tying her career record in strikeouts through nine innings of work, it wouldn't be enough for UNI to sweep the season series.
Evansville got off to a hot start, scoring three runs in the first inning off a wild pitch, a passed ball, and a steal. The Aces would remain on top for the next three innings as the Panthers struggled to find their offense until the fourth inning. UNI recorded its first hit of the day when shortstop Kylee Sanders hit a double to right-center, advancing left fielder Kamryn Shaffer to third after a walk. Both runners would score two batters later as catcher Emmy Wells walked and second baseman Taylor Hogan hit a double to left field.
After cutting the deficit to just one run, Shaffer would be instrumental for the Panthers in the top of the fifth. After two straight putouts to start the inning, Shaffer hit the only home run of the day for UNI to left field. The homer would be Shaffer's third of the season and tie the game at three.
Neither team would be able to break the tie through seven innings, despite the Panthers threatening in the top of the seventh. Despite being retired in order in the eighth, UNI fought back in the bottom of the inning as Packard picked up her 12th strikeout of the day and the inning ended with an Ace being caught stealing. The Panthers would get three batters on base in the top of the ninth, but a fielder's choice on Maggie Erpelding and two strikeouts at the plate would end the day on offense for UNI.
Evansville would finish the game off in the bottom of the ninth with a three-run shot to left field, handing the Panthers their first loss of the Valley season. Shaffer would be the only batter to have more than one hit on the afternoon with her tying home run and a single in the seventh. Five other batters would grab a hit each with Hogan bringing in two RBIs.
UP NEXT:
The Panthers return home for their first series at Robinson-Dresser Sports Complex. UNI will play three games against the Missouri State Bears starting with a Saturday double-header. First pitch on April 2 is set for noon.
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