University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
28-24, 15-7
Syracuse
27-19, 8-12
Pickett Homers in 5-1 Win over Syracuse
April 27, 2018 | Softball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A five-run fifth inning clinched North Carolina's 5-1 victory over Syracuse in the series opener Friday at Skytop Stadium.
Cuse took a one-run lead in the fourth before the Tar Heels came from behind for the win. Leah Murray tied up the game and Kiani Ramsey's sac-fly gave UNC a 2-1 lead. Brittany Pickett cleared the left field fence for a three-run homer and a 5-1 lead. Pickett went the distance for the win, striking out seven in her 28th complete game of the season.
With the win, North Carolina improves to 28-24 overall, 15-7 in ACC play while the Orange falls to 27-19, 8-12 in conference.
The Tar Heels looked strong from the start as Ramsey and Taylor Wike each singled in the first and Brittany Pickett struck out the side to begin the game.
After three scoreless frames, Syracuse's Faith Cain plated Bryce Holmgren who doubled right to lead off the inning for a one-run edge.
The Tar Heels answered back with five runs in the fifth inning to take the lead. Destiny DeBerry singled to extend her hitting streak to nine games before Murray drove in the tying run on a fielder's choice. Ramsey's sac-fly gave Carolina the 2-1 lead before Pickett cleared the bases with a three-run home run to left – her sixth gone-ball of the season.
Syracuse threatened in the bottom of the frame with two in scoring position, but clean fielding by the Carolina infield stranded the runners. The Tar Heels clinched the win on a Picket-Wike-Murray groundout for the 5-1 decision.
Syracuse's Alexa Romero took the loss in 4.2 innings while Miranda Hearn closed out the final 2.1 innings. Averaging over 11 strikeouts per game, the Tar Heels only allowed three against the Orange's ace.
The Tar Heels and Orange wrap up the series with a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.
Stay up to date with Carolina Softball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Pickett, Brittany (26-9)
L: Romero (17-12)
Batting:
HR: Pickett, Brittany 1
RBI: Murray, Leah 1 ; Ramsey, Kiani 1 ; Pickett, Brittany 3
SH: Wike, Taylor 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Murray, Leah 1 ; Ramsey, Kiani 1 ; Pickett, Brittany 1 ; Cole, Hailey 1 ; DeBerry, Destiny 1
SB: Murray, Leah 1 ; Cole, Hailey 1 ; DeBerry, Destiny 1
CS: Parkinson, Sierra 1 ; DeBerry, Destiny 1
Batting:
2B: Hansen 1 ; Holmgren 1
RBI: Cain 1
SH: Teran 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Holmgren 1
