INDIANAPOLIS - The Jaguars managed just four runs and were swept by the Crusaders on Tuesday evening. IUPUI dropped game one by a 10-3 count before falling in the nightcap, 9-1 in a six inning affair.
Game One (Box Score)
After giving up two runs in the top of the first, IUPUI cut the lead in half on a two out, run scoring single by senior Amy Raker.
After that, IUPUI couldn't touch Crusaders' hurler Alex Lagesse. The junior held the Jaguars to three more hits in her six innings of work.
While Lagesse held the Jaguars at bay, the Crusaders (14-10) added a run in third, fourth, two in the fifth and four more in the seventh.
The Jaguars scored twice in the seventh. Hannah Croucher doubled home Jessica Lam, who got an infield single to start the inning. Joy Perry drove in IUPUI's final run on a rocket that hit the umpire in the thigh. She was thrown out on the play, but was credited with an RBI groundout.
Nicole Natter picked up her third loss of the season in the circle, working three innings allowing three earned runs.
Game Two (Box Score)
Valparaiso packed a one-two pitching punch against the Jaguars as Crusaders hurler Sam McGee was more dominant than Legesse was in game one.
McGee threw a complete-game, four hitter and struck out six hitters.
Errors doomed IUPUI four the outset. Four errors were committed in the first inning of the game, leading to three unearned runs and a 5-0 deficit after a half inning.
The Jaguars managed just one run, and it came in the fifth inning. Lam's one-out single got things started in the frame. After she stole a base, Tori Magner's groundout sent her to third.
With two outs, Croucher walked. After the walk, Croucher rounded first and headed toward second. When McGee fired to second, Lam took off for home and scored IUPUI's only run.
The third inning was IUPUI's best offensive threat. With one out, Magner, Croucher and Perry all singled. Solid defense helped the Crusaders out of the inning. Senior Chelsie Hale hit a bullet to the third basemen who caught it and dove back to third. She beat Magner back to the base to complete the double play.
One positive note for the Jaguars was the performance of junior pitcher Samantha Bumbaugh. She has struggled thus far but showed signs of improvement. The Bloomington native went five innings giving up just one run while striking out nine.
The Jaguars will return to Summit League action on Friday against Western Illinois.
