PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – The opening game of the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge between Illinois State and BYU proved to be a battle in the pitching circle, as both teams pitched well in the midday game on Thursday. However, the Cougars (5-0) took advantage of an error and scored an unearned run to pick up the close 1-0 win over the Redbirds (1-5) at Nancy Almaraz Field.
BIRDS BITS (Game 1 vs. BYU)
Offensive Highlights:
Addison Masching: 1-for-3
Julia Larson: 1-for-2
Pitching Breakdown:
Paige McLeod (0-3): 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
HOW IT HAPPENED
The game was scoreless through four innings, as both starting pitchers were dealing in the circle. However, BYU was finally able to break the tie in the bottom of the fifth inning when Hailey Morrow led off the inning with a single and then advanced all the way to third base on a fielding error in the outfield. She would then score two batters later on an RBI single to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. Despite McLeod's best efforts in the circle allowing just six hits and no earned runs in seven strong innings, the Redbird offense was held to just two hits on the day by BYU hurlers.
ON DECK
Illinois State will have two more games on the second day of the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge on Friday, with the first scheduled for 10 a.m. CT against Florida International and the second game following at 3 p.m. CT against Indiana.
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