MIAMI– The Florida Atlantic University softball team defeated FIU, 7-4, on Saturday evening. The Owls got even in the series and improved to 23-22, including 10-7 in conference play.
BERTHIAUME’S BIG NIGHT
Sara Berthiaume recorded her 100th career hit as part of a memorable night. The Owls’ junior left fielder went 3-for-4 and hit a grand slam in the top of the third inning. The grand slam got FAU in front, 5-0. Berthiaume is having a huge impact on FAU this season and leads the team in nearly every major offensive category. Her line today was 3-for-4, four RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Her single up the middle in the sixth inning got her to the 100-hit club.
OWLS’ BATS SCORING EARLY AND OFTEN
Zoey Jones pushed over a run in the first inning with an RBI double to left that scored Berthiaume. Berthiaume legged out an infield single then stole second base. Jones blasted one over the left fielder’s head to plate Berthiaume and give FAU a 1-0 lead.
Berthiaume’s grand slam gave FAU a 5-0 edge in the top of the third inning. Cameryn Orland worked a walk, then Kaitlyn Cunningham ripped a double to left field. After a Sommer Baker walk, Berthiaume sent them all home with a blast to right center field. The grand slam was her fourth home run of the season, and the Owls’ first grand slam since Fayth Davis on February 20, 2021.
FIU got back into it with one run in the third and three runs in the fourth. The Panthers had a chance to tie the game, but Cunningham threw out the tying run attempting to score. A base hit scored one, but a perfect throw by Cunningham and a tag from Olivia Peterson kept FAU in front 5-4.
Peterson added a big pair of insurance runs with a two-RBI double in the fifth inning. The Owls’ bats collected seven hits, led by Berthiaume’s three and Cunningham’s 2-for-4 evening.
Gabby Sacco got the win in the circle after entering in relief. Sacco went five strong innings and limited the Panthers to only two runs. The freshman improved to 8-7 with the victory.
GAME THREE TOMORROW
These two teams will meet in the rubber game and series finale tomorrow at 1 p.m.
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