Mother Nature must have her seasons mixed up this year. Mid-way through April, the Bulls still can't get through a home game without worrying about winter weather.
On Wednesday afternoon the Bulls faced the elements and the Syracuse Orange softball team in their home opener at Nan Harvey Field.
The Bulls (2-30, 0-4 MAC) and the Orange (15-24) only managed to play one game of their scheduled double-header, but one game proved to be exciting and the few tough fans in attendance were left on the edges of their seats.
Buffalo was down the entire game but clawed their way back, managing to cut the lead to just one run with some late inning offense. However, after the final out, the scoreboard read 6-5 in favor of Syracuse.
The game began with Syracuse jumping out to an early lead scoring five of their six runs in the second inning off five hits. Only two of the total runs were charged to Buffalo's starting pitcher, freshman Sharon Barr, who gave up eleven hits and just one walk in her complete game effort. Barr was impressive at the plate, going one-for-two with an RBI, two walks and a run scored.
Buffalo scored its first run of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning when senior infielder Colleen Green earned an RBI off of a fielder's choice. The fielder's choice scored freshman infielder Samantha Gaetano from third base.
However, the Bulls left two runners on base in the inning, as Orange starter Brittany Gardner continued on to retire the side. Gardner earned the win, the eighth of her year, giving up five runs off ten hits and striking out three.
Syracuse added another run in the top of the sixth, but Buffalo added two of their own in the bottom of the inning to make it 6-3. Sophomore catcher Erin Zilka blasted a single to lead off the inning, followed by walks from Barr and Gaetano.
The bases were then loaded for junior shortstop Marcy Hansen, who delivered by roping a single in to the outfield that scored two runs. However, once again the Bulls left two runners on base when the inning ended.
Things got interesting when the Bulls held Syracuse scoreless in the top of the seventh inning. Down by two runs, the Bulls took the plate for their last licks with an opportunity to come away with a comeback win. It looked promising as the Bulls began the inning with some offense.
With one out, junior Lacy Schneider reached first on a scorcher to the corner where the third baseman made a great stop, but her throw was low and the first baseman mishandled it, earning the error. Zilka, who went three-for-four with an RBI, then doubled to score pinch runner Ashley Turner from first.
Barr was next at bat and she proved to be clutch in a critical situation, singling in Zilka to cut the deficit down to one run. Syracuse then brought in Chanel Roehner in relief of Gardner. Roehner struck out her first batter, but then gave up a single to Jenna Beall-Schwab that advanced Zilka, the potential tying run, to third.
Junior Brittany Hussong was then called on to pinch hit for Gaetano, but Hussong ended the game by strikng out.
The Bulls are scheduled to play MAC rival Ohio in a double-header Friday, April 13 at Nan Harvey Field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. but with more inclement weather predicted for this weekend, Mother Nature could steal some more games away from the softball schedule.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
