Pitt continues hot streak with sweep of Syracuse

Snow was present around the area this weekend and temperatures dropped dramatically, but… Snow was present around the area this weekend and temperatures dropped dramatically, but the Pitt softball team continued to be hot, sweeping Syracuse Sunday afternoon in a doubleheader to kick off Big East conference play.

The Panthers (16-14 overall, 2-0 Big East) won their 11th game in a row and continue to be unbeaten in their new home field with an 11-0 record. A doubleheader scheduled against Notre Dame Saturday was postponed due to poor weather conditions, but the Panthers were back in business Sunday, defeating the Orangewomen 3-2 and 9-5, respectively.

Syracuse (7-15, 1-3) jumped out to early leads in both games, but the Panthers quickly responded each time to pick up the pair of wins.

Pitt 3, Syracuse 2

Nikki Gasti took the mound for Pitt and was unstoppable once again. Pitching yet another complete game, Gasti got her 11th win of the season.

A little help from the Panthers offense helped them pick up the victory as well. Casey Pickard crushed her fifth home run of the season in the bottom of the second inning to tie the game at one.

Syracuse scored its second and final run of the game in the top of the third to take the lead, but the Panthers quickly responded. Pitt capitalized on the poor pitching efforts of the Orangewomen and took control of the game in the bottom half of the inning.

With two runners on base for the Panthers, Syracuse pitcher Tara DiMaggio walked three consecutive batters to hand over the lead to the Panthers. DiMaggio was immediately replaced, but the damage was already done.

Gasti continued to be flawless throughout the remainder of the game and three runs were all that the Panthers needed, as they hung on to earn the 3-2 victory.

Pitt 9, Syracuse 5

Gasti’s hot arm was enough to earn her the starting job in the second game of the double header. Gasti continued to be tough early for the Panthers, but signs of fatigue became evident in the top of the third inning.

A leadoff home run by Tanya Rose of Syracuse gave the Orangewomen the first run of the ballgame. A walk followed by a double by Jennifer Orpitelli was enough for Pitt coach Michelle Phalen to replace Gasti with senior Janelle Pepe.

Pepe was immediately rocked when Christina Holowich hit another Syracuse homer. After Pepe got the third out of the inning, the Panthers trailed 4-0.

Pitt rallied in the bottom half of the third, taking advantage of Syracuse mistakes and picking up three unearned runs.

Three more runs were scored in the fourth inning by the Panthers, as their offense got on a roll. Jessica Thomas smacked an RBI triple to tie the game and Ana Velaquez brought her home on an RBI single to give the Panthers their first lead of the game. By inning’s end, the score was 6-4 in favor of the Panthers, who would never fall behind again.

Back-to-back doubles by Tiffany White and Thomas combined to add three runs in the fifth inning for Pitt. A meaningless run was scored by Syracuse in the top of the seventh inning, as the Panthers hung on to the 9-5 victory.

Weather was a frustrating disadvantage to both teams Sunday, as play was stopped four separate times because of snowfall.

Regardless of how the wins came about, the Panthers should be satisfied with their two victories. With its school record setting 11th win in a row, the Panthers move past the .500 mark for the first time since early in the season.

With a 2-0 start in Big East play, Pitt’s hopes at a conference championship still stand. Kent State is next up for the Panthers, who will host a non-conference doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at Trees Field beginning at 2 p.m.