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Walk-Off Homer Lands Softball 4-3 Win Over Ball State

Kristen Gallipani

Gallipani’s first-pitch laser was her team-leading fifth homerun of the year and her second in two days.

Not to be overshadowed, Mary Russell’s (Apalachin, NY/Owego) two-RBI double with two out in the bottom of the seventh forced extra-innings as the Bulls mounted an impressive come-back.

After a scoreless first, the Cardinals scored one in the top of the second on a solo homerun and added two more in the top of the fourth on a two-run homerun.

UB fought back, however, and closed in on the Cardinal’s lead in the bottom of the fourth.

Mary Russell

With one down, Russell nailed a double to left-center and was advanced to third by a Sharon Barr (Coarsegold, CA/Yosemite Union) ground-out to second base. Lacy Schneider (Idyllwild, CA/Hemet) then singled through the left side to score Russell and get the Bulls on the scoreboard.

Then, after a scoreless fifth and sixth from both teams, UB tied the game 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh.

Lindsay Hampton (Binghamton, NY/Binghamton) drew a walk to lead-off the bottom of the inning and Gallipani followed with a single. Marcy Hansen (Claremont, CA/Claremont) then found first via a fielder’s choice with Hampton out at third on the play. After another Buffalo out, Russell stepped to the plate and roped a double to right-center, scoring Gallipani and Hansen to tie the game, 3-3.

Sharon Barr

With neither team able to plate a run in the eighth, the Bulls held the Cardinals scoreless in the top of the ninth. In the bottom half of the inning, Gallipani roped the game-winner on a first-pitch walk-off homer over the left field fence.

Barr pitched the complete nine-inning gem, striking out three while surrendering just six hits.

Lacy Schneider

Russell and Gallipani both had outstanding days at the plate, as Russell finished 3-for-4 with two doubles while Gallipani ended the day 2-for-3. Hansen, Schneider, Hampton and Stephanie Visperas (Newark, CA/Newark Memorial) each turned in a hit in the contest.

The Bulls will conclude their series with Ball State on Sunday. Game time is slated for 1:00 pm on Nan Harvey Field.