PITTSBURGH – Pitt used a four-run sixth inning to secure an 8-3 victory over Syracuse in the series opener, Friday night at Vartabedian Field. The Panthers and Orange combined for 20 hits, including 18 singles.
Kat Rodriguez led the Panthers offense by going a season-high 4-for-4 with a triple, two RBI, and two runs scored. Cami Compson had the other extra-base hit of the night with a three-run home run to cap off the sixth inning for the Panthers.
The Panthers and Orange were each held scoreless through the first two innings before Syracuse hit three straight singles in the top of the third to take a 1-0 lead.
Kylie Griggs put the runners at first and second with line drive that hit the top of the center field wall to stay inside the park. Rodriguez hit a single up the middle that brought Hamilton home. Hamilton was originally called out on the play but the Panthers’ challenged the call on the field which was overturned to tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third.
Rachael Fuerst hit a one-out single to center field and Desirae Martinez followed with a two-out single through the right side to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.
The Panthers and Orange went back-and-forth as Syracuse scored two runs in the top of the fifth inning to take a 3-2 lead. Pitt responded in the bottom of the fifth with as Amanda “Tuta” Ramirez drove in two runs to give the Panthers a 4-3 edge with two innings left to play.
Pitt added four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to extend their lead and secure the victory in the series opener. Ana Hernandez and Griggs each drew a walk to put the Panthers on first and second. Rodriguez singled up the middle to bring Hernandez home and add one more run for the Panthers. Compson hit a no doubter to center field off an 0-1 pitch to extend the Panthers lead, 8-3.
Olivia Stefanoni held the Orange scoreless with just two hits in the final two frames. Stefanoni earned the win after throwing a complete game, allowing one earned run (three unearned) on 10 hits with two strikeouts and two walks.
Up Next
Pitt and Syracuse continue the series tomorrow at Vartabedian Field. First Pitch is scheduled for 3 pm
