Panthers Fall 7-6 in Final Game Against Salukis

Sunday, April 9

Cedar Falls, Iowa

11 a.m.

University of Northern Iowa

20-14, 8-4

Southern Illinois

20-18, 8-4

Southern Illinois

UNI

Panthers Fall 7-6 in Final Game Against Salukis

4/9/2017 2:37:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa softball team wrapped up its three-game series against the Salukis on Sunday, falling 7-6 in a home-run battle. UNI is 20-14 overall and 8-4 in Missouri Valley Conference play.

UNI starter Bailey Lange did not make it out of the first as she allowed three runs on three walks and a hit. Lange was relieved after facing seven batters and recording only two outs. An error by Alicia Crivaro at third allowed all three runs to be unearned. Jaci Spencer came on in relief of Lange and pitched the final 6 1/3 innings. Spencer struck out seven, while allowing four runs (two earned).

The Panthers would answer back in the bottom of the first. Both Brittney Krodinger and Macey Wolfe would score to close the Salukis lead to 3-2 at the end of the first inning.

SIU went down in order in the top of the second to give UNI another chance to change the pace. Lange led off in the bottom of the second and slammed one over the fence at center field to tie the game, 3-3.

In the top of the third, SIU outfielder Merri Anne Patterson would follow Lange's lead. With a Saluki on first, Patterson came out swinging into right field for a two-run home run. That would give them back their lead with a 5-3 score.

Killing the momentum once again, the Panthers came into the bottom of the third with a mission. Kennedy Bailey and Sammey Bunch were both on base when Lange came up to the plate and recreated her home run from the second inning. Lange's home run was her sixth of the season and gave UNI their first lead of the game, 6-5.

The Salukis would score one more time in the top fo the fourth to bring in one run and tie the game at 6-6.

Both teams would go on a dry spell until the top of the seventh when SIU batted in one more run to give it a 7-6 victory.

The Panthers will be back at Robinson Dresser Sports Complex on Tuesday April 11 at 6 p.m. to face off against in-state rival, Iowa. Be sure to wear your purple gear.