Huskies and Bobcats play 11-inning thriller

Tuesday, April 30

Storrs, Conn.

3:00 pm

University of Connecticut

20-27

Quinnipiac University

16-30

Quinnipiac

UConn

Photo by: Stephen Slade

4/30/2019 7:04:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Photo Gallery

STORRS, Conn.—In the 11th hour, or inning we should say, a hero emerged in Briana Marcelino to seal the 2-1 win for UConn with a walk-off single to left center.

The teams were deadlocked in a pitchers' duel backed by efficient defense on both sides.
Jill Stockley started in the circle for the Huskies and pitched 3.1 innings to face 15 of Quinnipiac's batters. She was relieved down the stretch by Katie Koshes (7-7) who took on the remaining 7.2 innings and 27 Bobcats. Together the duo tossed 170 pitches with 108-recorded strikes.

Scoring came at a premium in this in-state match up, as the two teams would go four innings without the first run being scored. A Quinnipiac double to left center was positioned so well that it allowed the baserunner to cross home plate, the Bobcats took the early 1-0 lead.

The UConn response came in the bottom of the sixth but the buildup was one for the books. Carli Cutler was the second batter for the Huskies and walked. Aziah James entered the game to pinch run for Cutler but on a fielder's choice, would find herself heading back to the dugout. Alexis Lemus, however, reached first on that play and advanced to second on a wild pitch later. Devon Casazza took base after being hit, which would put runners at first and second for pinch hitter Chloe Kerns. Another wild pitch would shift the pair to prime scoring position at second and third. Kerns loaded the bases on a walk and was pinch ran for by Ashley Esty. With the momentum shifting in favor of UConn, a third wild pitch scored Lemus and tied the game up at one all heading into the top of the seventh.

Quinnipiac kept coming at UConn during the five innings with a few fielder's choices, a double, and a triple. The Husky defense remained unnerved on the way to their errorless finish behind Koshes in the circle.

UConn through the next couple of innings threatened Quinnipiac with a Kelli Bates walk, an Olivia Sappington double, a sacrifice bunt from Kiwi McDaniel, and a fielder's choice on Cutler. All leading up to the bottom of the 11th inning after the Bobcats were retired in order.

Esty was the second batter in the order for the Huskies, and she smacked a single to right field. Esty stole second and advanced to third on a Bobcat error. Reese Guevarra stepped into the batter's box and found herself at first via a walk. Due up next for UConn was Marcelino, she took the first pitch and readjusted…taking a breather and stepping right back in. She squared up the pitch and nailed the walk-off single to bring in Esty.

THE MOMENT! pic.twitter.com/kpWbXPMqqg
— UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) April 30, 2019

What an amazing way to end the Huskies' first 11-inning contest of the season. This is UConn's second consecutive season with 20 wins.

Next up is the final American Athletic Conference series of the 2019 regular season. Game one will be played Friday, May 3rd at 3:00 p.m. Game two on Saturday, May 4th with the series finale on Sunday, May 5th at noon. All games will be played at Burrill Family Field. For schedule updates please check the UConn softball schedule page.