Iowa softball defeats Wisconsin 4-1 in Big Ten opener at Bob Pearl Field
By Hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa softball team defeated Wisconsin, 4-1, in its Big Ten and home opener Thursday in the first of a three-game series at Bob Pearl Field.
Freshman Soo-Jin Berry was part of all four runs on the day. She went 2-for-2 with three RBIS. She had a two-run double in the first, scored on a sacrifice fly from senior Sammy Diaz and had a sacrifice fly in the fifth.
Sophomore Jalen Adams went the distance en route to her seventh win, allowing one run on three hits with one strikeout and zero walks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawkeyes started game one hot with three hits in the first. Freshman Jena Young and Berry had back-to-back doubles and Diaz’s sacrifice fly made the score 3-0.
Wisconsin scored its lone run on a homer in the third, but the Hawkeyes got out of the inning with a double play from sophomore Avery Jackson to close out the inning.
Iowa loaded the bases on back-to-back bunt singles from junior Rylie Moss and Young in the bottom of the fifth with no outs. The Hawkeyes scored one run on Berry’s sacrifice fly, making the score 4-1.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“The players did a great job with how intense and focused they were in this game. We need to bring that energy in every single game. Even after they (Wisconsin) scored, we were able to get that run back. I’m proud of where they are right now and the focus they have as we’re looking forward to another game tomorrow.”
NOTABLE
- Adam recorded her first hit as a Hawkeye in the bottom of the fourth.
UP NEXT
Iowa (13-10, 1-0) returns to action Saturday for game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (CT). The game will be streamed on B1G+ (subscription required) and broadcast live on the Hawkeye Radio Network.