The Cavalier Daily
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Softball drops last home series to Syracuse

Virginia was only able to win one game against Syracuse in its final series of the season at Palmer Park

<p>Offensive and pitching struggles were among the key factors that prevented the Cavaliers from winning more games against the Orange.</p>

Offensive and pitching struggles were among the key factors that prevented the Cavaliers from winning more games against the Orange.

Game 1 – Friday

In the first game of the four-game series, Virginia lost 4-1 to Syracuse.

The Cavaliers (15-29, 10-23 ACC) faced pitching troubles early in the game as junior Aly Rayle got the start for Virginia and pitched for less than three innings. In that time, Rayle was unable to earn a strikeout and especially struggled in the third inning, allowing the Orange (18-16, 11-13 ACC) to score four runs with two outs.

The Cavaliers tried to rally in the fourth inning, scoring one run due to an RBI groundout from junior outfielder Rachel Keshin. Despite their efforts, it was not enough to catch up to Syracuse.

Game 2 – Friday

Game two of the double header was much closer than the first, but Virginia was again unable to walk away with a win.

The Syracuse batters came in still hot from the first game, establishing a 3-0 lead by the end of the second inning. By the end of the fifth inning, Syracuse had scored a total of five runs.

The Cavaliers were able to get things rolling offensively in the second game of the day. They scored their first run in the third inning when junior outfielder Bailey Winscott ran home on a wild pitch. Later in the game, Virginia managed to get within one point of the Orange with an RBI triple from Winscott.

Syracuse was able to hold onto its lead and beat Virginia 7-4.

Game 3 – Saturday

Virginia changed the dynamic and dominated offensively in the third game of the series, winning 6-0.

The Cavaliers got on the scoreboard in the first inning as junior second baseman Arizona Ritchie got a triple to right field and was later able to steal home.

Virginia was able to extend its lead in the fifth inning after Ritchie was hit by a pitch. A SAC bunt by Winscott allowed Ritchie to then advance to second base. Following that, the Cavaliers had three RBIs, taking the score to 4-0.

The Cavaliers were able to shut down the Orange thanks to fantastic pitching from freshman pitcher Mikayla Houge. Houge allowed four hits and zero runs.

Game 4 – Sunday

Virginia lost the fourth game of the series 1-0. The final match-up got off to a slow start, and neither team was able to get things going offensively. The Cavaliers only had one hit, which came from freshman right fielder Leah Boggs.

Syracuse scored its solo run in the second inning. One batter walked and was able to steal second, which was followed up with senior utility player Lailoni Mayfield getting an RBI double.

The Orange had a solid day in the circle in large part due to graduate student Alexa Romero. She pitched the entire game and finished the day with four strikeouts. 

Virginia was not able to find a pitching groove over the course of the game. The Cavaliers had four different pitchers who combined to have a total of five strikeouts.

Virginia will face Georgia Tech next weekend for its last regular season series.

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