No. 3 Duke Walks Off Virginia in Extra Innings Friday

Friday, April 19

Durham, N.C.

6 p.m.

Duke University

39-4, 0

Virginia

28-15, 0

Virginia

Duke

No. 3 Duke Walks Off Virginia in Extra Innings Friday

4/20/2024 1:35:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

DURHAM – Third-ranked Duke defeated Virginia, 1-0, after 12 innings in the series-opening game on Friday at Duke Softball Stadium.

The Blue Devils improve to 17-2 in conference play and 39-4 overall, while the Cavaliers drop to 28-15 and 11-8 in ACC play.

Senior Jala Wright was stellar in the circle, tossing 12.0 scoreless innings while surrendering just four hits and two walks. The Charlotte, N.C., native also matched her career-high after fanning 14 batters during the contest.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Duke was quick to load the bases in the opening frame using a hit by pitch, walk and single to center field. However, the Cavaliers' Eden Bigham retired the next two batters to leave all three baserunners stranded.
The Blue Devils put pressure on Virginia's defense again in the bottom of the third, loading the bases on a single and a pair of walks, but were unable to push a run across the plate.
The next four frames became a pitcher's duel between Wright and Bigham as both sides combined to allow just three hits to keep the game scoreless and force extra innings.
The Blue Devils continued to battle in the ninth, loading the bases for a third time, but Bigham worked her way out of the jam to escape the inning unscathed.
Senior Franceca Frelick sparked the offense again in the 12th inning, sending a base hit into center field before moving up in the ensuing at bat as graduate student Gisele Tapia drew a one-out walk.
Redshirt-sophomore Jada Baker followed with a sacrifice bunt but the Cavaliers' throw to first base missed wide, allowing Frelick to score and walk it off, 1-0.

NOTES

Duke is now 14-11 all-time in extra-inning games, including 2-1 this season.
Wright's 14 strikeouts is tied for second on Duke's single-game record list and improves her ledger to 14-1 on the year.
She also tossed the 14th complete game of her career.
The Blue Devils now lead the all-time series, 13-1, including an 8-0 record when playing at Duke Softball Stadium.

UP NEXT
The Blue Devils and Cavaliers conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. The opening game is set for 1 p.m., with the second to follow at 3:30 p.m. Duke will also honor its seven graduating players for Senior Day prior to the start of game one.

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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