PRATT, Kan. – The top-ranked Butler softball team showed no signs of rust after a long break, as the Grizzlies went on the road Thursday and run-ruled Pratt twice in a pair of non-conference games.
The Grizzlies won the first game 10-1 in six innings and took the second game 12-2 in just five innings. This was the first action for Butler since March 15, a span of 12 days that included spring break and two days of action cancelled by weather.
Butler's Kate James hit three home runs on the day – one in the first game and two in the second game – to pace the Butler attack. She drove in a total of seven runs and had six hits in eight at-bats while also being hit by a pitch.
The Grizzlies also got home runs from Jillian Navarrete and Monica Islava. Aujanae McCoy was 3-3 in the two games with a double and an RBI while A'Liyah Rogers was 3-4 in the second game. Ashton Atwell had three hits on the day as well.
In the circle, Sydnee Eck earned the win in the first game, pitching four innings. She struck out five of the 13 batters she faced and allowed just one hit. She is now 12-3 on the year. Jillian Navarrete finished the first game with two innings, allowing one run.
In the second game, Jayde Hansen earned the win with four innings, allowing two runs to go to 4-0 on the season. Abbie Clanton threw a scoreless inning in relief to finish the game.
Butler will play a home conference doubleheader on Sunday at 1 p.m. against Barton. Butler coach Doug Chance will be going for his 400th win at Butler's head coach. He has 399 after the sweep at Pratt.
