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Notre Dame Takes Game Two to Split the Conference Doubleheader
NOTRE DAME, Ind. Notre Dame used a pair of home runs to secure a 5-2 victory over No. 22/21 DePaul on Wednesday in game two of a BIG EAST Conference doubleheader at Melissa Cook Stadium. Notre Dame (22-13, 8-3) scored runs in the first three innings to jump out to 3-1 lead. The Irish posted their first run on Linda Kohan’s solo home run in the first inning, while a RBI double off the bat of Alex Maldonado gave ND a 2-0 lead heading into the top of third. Alex Morocco’s alert base running gave DePaul (21-9, 9-2 BIG EAST) its first run of the ballgame in the top of the third. After Morocco roped a single to left and stole second to begin the frame. With Shea Warren showing bunt at the plate; and with the infield pulled in and not protecting third base Morocco took advantage and when the Notre Dame catcher, Alexia Clay threw the ball into the outfield she was able to score easily. Notre Dame used a walk and a pair of base hits to take a 4-1 advantage in its portion of the third. Dani Miller and Erin Marrone both knocked RBI singles in the frame. DePaul starter Becca Heteniak helped her own cause with her eighth home run of the season and second of the doubleheader. The junior’s long ball sailed over the left field fence and cut the Irish lead to two. Notre Dame got the run back in the fifth on Christine Lux’s home run which was also her second of the doubleheader. Jody Vodiva (9-5) recorded the complete game win. She struck out eight, walked one and held DePaul to just four hits. Heteniak (12-6) scattered nine hits, walked three and struck out two in just her third career BIG EAST loss. The Blue Demons return to action tomorrow when they welcome Northern Illinois for a nonconference game at Cacciatore Stadium. The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
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