Butler Splits With Cowley at East Park

EL DORADO, Kan. – No. 16 Butler softball split a doubleheader with the No. 19-ranked D2 Cowley Tigers at East Park on Saturday afternoon.

Butler (19-5) played like two different teams in the doubleheader. They were held to just two runs on two hits in a 4-2 game one loss and then exploded for 14 runs on 17 hits in game two, a 14-1 win. Cowley moved to 21-10 on the season.

The Grizzlies now turn their attention to Hutchinson on Monday afternoon at East Park with games set for 2 and 4 p.m.

Game 1: Cowley 4, Butler 2

Cowley starting pitcher Mikah Vann (W, 10-3) threw a complete game allowing just two runs on two hits, striking out nine and walking one as she led the Tigers to a win over the Grizzlies.

Butler's lone runs came in the fifth inning off the bat of freshman Alivia Darbe. Darbe hit her fourth home run of the season; a two-run shot down the left field line that trimmed the Cowley lead to 4-2. The only other Butler hit in the game was the at bat prior to Darbe's when Kory Schoenfeld singled to set up the two-run home run.

Cowley was led by designated player Emily Louderback who had two hits and two RBI.

Cheyenne Handsaker (L, 7-2) threw all 7.0 innings for Butler, suffering just her second loss of the season. She allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits, striking out six and walking three.

Game 2: Butler 14, Cowley 1 (5 inn.)

With Cowley's Vann done pitching for the afternoon the Grizzly offense exploded for 14 runs on 17 hits en route to a run rule victory.

The top of the lineup was hot for Butler with Kyrsten Moran totaling three hits, Claire Lopez four hits and two RBI and Chloe Cardona with three hits and two RBI. Cady Dickey drove in four runs and Madison Montgomery had two hits and two RBI.

The Grizzlies had 10 runs in the fourth inning, going from a 4-1 lead to 14-1.

Addy Ewing threw a complete game allowing just one unearned run on four hits with two strikeouts and a walk.