Pitt softball drops tournament opener to California

An early lead doesn’t always mean success.

Though Pitt struck first in their first game of the NCAA Tournament yesterday, the University of California, Berkeley Golden Bears responded immediately, sealing a mercy rule loss in Ann Arbor, Mich.

After first pitch at 3:30, Pitt scored two runs in the top of the 2nd inning, one on a double by senior outfielder Jordan Fannin, who then scored on a sacrifice fly by junior catcher Kathryn Duran.

But the Golden Bears struck back, hanging seven runs on senior starter and staff ace Savannah King. King, who dominated in the ACC Tournament to a 2-0 record and a 1.50 ERA, struggled throughout the game, giving up 11 runs total.

Junior designated pitcher Jenna Modic added a homer to make the score 7-3 in the top of the 3rd, but that was the end of Pitt’s offense for the game.

King gave up four more runs in the bottom of the fifth making it 11-3 California, the eight run lead triggering the NCAA’s softball mercy rule.

Pitt will now play Oakland today at 6:30 p.m. in Ann Arbor in an elimination game.

ESPN2 will televise the game.