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Bulls Drop Doubleheader To Syracuse

Mary Russell

The Orange got out to a 4-0 lead in the first game of the doubleheader, but the Bulls took the lead in the top of the fourth inning. The Bulls were hitting the ball all afternoon, but the Syracuse defenders were making the plays. The fourth inning began as Lacy Schneider (Idyllwild, CA/Hemet) was robbed by the SU second baseman. The Bulls would record two outs before starting a five-run rally. Kerry Cafazzo (Everett, MA/Everett) doubled to right center and advanced to third on a wild pitch. She would come in to score on a single by Lauren Picciano (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott). Marcy Hansen (Claremont, CA/Claremont) and Mary Russell (Apalachin, NY/Owego Free Academy) hit singles in consecutive at bats, loading the bases with Buffalo batters. Erin Zilka (Benicia, CA/Benicia) then singled down the left field line, scoring two runs and putting the Bulls within one.

Erin Zilka

Syracuse changed pitchers, but the Bulls kept the charge going. Sophie Barstad (Canby, OR/Canby) hit an RBI single, scoring Russell. UB added one more run as Laura Kor (Beaverton, OR/Westview) reached on an error, scoring Zilka.

However, Syracuse went on to score six unaswered runs and retake the lead, putting up three in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the sixth as Barstad picked up the loss in the contest, walking six in 2.2 innings of work. Barstad also recorded three strikeouts and allowed just two hits. Freshman Jennifer Biernacki (Medina, NY/Medina) started the game for the Bulls, pitching 3.1 innings, allowing just four hits and six runs. However, only one of the those runs was earned.

Alexis Switenko picked up the win for Syracuse, coming in on relief, allowing just one hit and striking out four.

The second game remained scoreless for the first two innings and the Bulls recorded the first run of the game in the top of the third inning. Hansen and Russell both reached base to lead off the inning and both were moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Zilka. Hansen would score as Kor reached base on a fielding error.

The lead would be short lived as Syracuse went on to score 10 unanswered runs, four in the bottom of the third inning and six in the bottom of the fourth. The game would end after the Buffalo at bat in the top of the fifth inning.

Jennifer Biernacki

Margo Schramm (Phoenix, AZ/Catalina Foothills/Iowa Lakes CC) picked up the loss, pitching 3.2 innings, allowing 13 hits and 10 runs, eight of them earned. Biernacki came on in relief to pitch one-third of an inning, striking out the one batter she faced.

Switenko also picked up the win in game two, going the distance and allowing just five hits and one unearned runs. She walked two and struck out four in the contest.

Russell emerged as the offensive standout, going a perfect 6-for-6 on the day. Picciano finished with a 2-for-3 performance in the first game.

The Bulls wrap up the 2006 season this weekend with four home games left. UB hosts Ball State on Friday, May 5 for a doubleheader at Nan Harvey Field. First pitch is set for 1:00 pm.