MACOMB, Ill. – After having to endure a one-hour delay due to rain and lightning, the IUPUI softball team (15-23, 5-2) saw their strong start to Summit League play hit a bump, as the Jags dropped their series opener with Western Illinois (17-23, 8-2) 1-6 Friday (April 14).  The Jags will forego a doubleheader and will instead play two Saturday (April 15).
 
Nickole Finch came on in relief in the second inning and pitched the remainder of the ball game, going 4.2 innings while giving up three earned runs.  She struck out five and walked two in the outing, as the Leathernecks cashed in on three home runs in the game.  Roni Patterson had one of just two hits for the Jags, going 1-for-3 with an RBI single in the first inning.  Maggie Good had the only other knock, a double, as she finished 1-for-2. 
 
The Jags cashed in on a mistake by the Leathernecks in the first inning, as Taylor Chitwood reached base on an error by the center fielder.  She made it all the way to second on the play, then advanced to third base on a wild pitch.  A single through the left side by Patterson brought Chitwood home, as IUPUI leaped out to 1-0 lead.
 
Two solo homeruns in the bottom of the second inning gave Western Illinois a lead, as the team added runs in three of the next four innings.  Their final damage was a two-run homer that came in the sixth inning, putting the Jags well behind at 1-6.  The Jags were outhit 2-9 in the game, as IUPUI was guilty of a pair of errors in the contest.
 
IUPUI will look to bounce back Saturday with two games against the Leathernecks beginning at 1 p.m. EST.
 
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