Jacks score first, but fall at Wisconsin

Thursday, April 8

Madison, Wis.

1 p.m.

South Dakota State University

Wisconsin

4/8/2010 5:00:00 PM | Softball

By: SDSU Sports Info

MADISON, Wis. - The South Dakota State softball team plated a run in the first inning of Thursday's game at Wisconsin, but the Badgers rattled off seven unanswered runs to defeat the Jackrabbits 7-1 at Goodman Softball Complex in Madison, Wis.

The loss drops the Jackrabbits to 9-23 on the season, while the Badgers improve to 9-21 with their home-opening win.

Devon Reick opened the game with a single, stole second and ended up on third after an errant throw to set the table for Ashley Durazo, who hit an RBI single up the middle to score the unearned run from third.

The Jacks held on to its 1-0 lead until the Badgers tied the game at 1-1 with four hits in the bottom of the third. Wisconsin then scored three runs each in the fourth and fifth innings to take a commanding 7-1 lead.

Badger starting pitcher Letty Olivarez made the difference in the game, striking out 10 and walking four in the complete game win with five hits and the one unearned run.

Pam Nicholson got the start for the Jacks, giving up seven hits and four runs over three innings to take the loss.

The Jackrabbits move on to Fort Wayne, Ind., for a three game Summit League series at IPFW this weekend. The Jacks and Mastodons play a doubleheader on Friday at 12 p.m. ET, followed by a single game on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.

SDSU returns to Madison on Sunday to make up the second game of the doubleheader against Wisconsin on Sunday at 3 p.m.