No. 6 Duke Defeats Louisville, 5-3, to Clinch Series

Sunday, March 24

Louisville, Ky.

12 p.m.

Duke University

26-3, 0

Louisville

20-12, 0

Duke

Louisville

No. 6 Duke Defeats Louisville, 5-3, to Clinch Series

3/24/2024 8:05:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sixth-ranked Duke (26-3, 7-2ACC) clinched another ACC series on Sunday after it defeated Louisville (20-12, 1-5 ACC), 5-3, at Ulmer Stadium.

The Blue Devils have now won seven-straight conference series' and have outscored their opponents 128-60 during that stretch.

On Sunday, redshirt-sophomore Jada Baker and sophomore Aminah Vega led the offense as each recorded two hits in the game. The duo also combined to drive in four of Duke's five runs.

Senior Jala Wright and graduate student Dani Drogemuller shared the circle during the rubber match. Wright earned the win after surrendering just one hit with seven strikeouts in her 4.1 innings of work. Drogemuller then came into fan five batters while scattering six hits and allowing three runs, two earned, in 2.2 innings.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Vega put the Blue Devils ahead early with an RBI-single through the right side in the first frame to score sophomore D'Auna Jennings, who reached on a fielder's choice before moving up on a stolen base.
The Blue Devils plated three additional runs in the following inning, highlighted by Baker's two-RBI double, to create a 4-0 gap between the teams.
Vega then sent a solo home run over the left center field fence in the top of the fifth to stretch the lead to 5-0.
Louisville responded in the bottom of the fifth with one run off three hits and one error.
The Cardinals chipped away at the Blue Devils' lead again in the seventh, plating two runs off a pair of hits to make it a 5-3 ballgame.
Louisville then put runners on the corners and had the go-ahead run at the plate, but Wright re-entered in the circle to record the final strikeout to seal the 5-3 victory.

NOTES

Vega's solo home run marked her 100th career hit and fifth long ball of the season.
Wright remains perfect in the circle with an 11-0 record after 13 appearances.
Vega and Baker tallied their eighth and third multi-RBI game this season, respectively.

UP NEXT
The Blue Devils continue their conference slate when they welcome No. 16 Virginia Tech to Duke Softball Stadium for a three-game series beginning Thursday. The opening game is set for 6 p.m.

To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL"

Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu

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