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Western Illinois University Athletics

Emily Ira
2
Winner Western Illinois WIU 14-22
1
Iowa IOWA 19-22
Winner
Western Illinois WIU
14-22
2
Final
1
Iowa IOWA
19-22
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R H E
Western Illinois WIU 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 2
Iowa IOWA 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0

W: Ira, Emily (7-7) L: Shaw (3-9)

Game Recap: Softball | | WIU Athletic Communications

Ira Deals Six Strikeouts In WIU's Win Over Iowa

The Leathernecks win 2-1 to capture seventh-straight victory

IOWA CITY, Iowa- It only took three hits for the Leathernecks to pick up its seventh-straight win on Tuesday night, as WIU beat Iowa 2-1 in eight innings. Emily Ira pitched all eight innings for Western Illinois, yielding three hits while striking out six.

The victory is Western Illinois' first win over a Power Five school since beating Iowa April 2, 2015. The seventh-straight victory is the longest winning streak since 2012.

"I am so proud of this team and their resilience tonight. They kept fighting until the last out. The way this team plays together and believes in each other is very special," said head coach Beth Golitko. "Emily was in the zone today and with a few great plays behind her, we were able to stay in the game. Both teams showed great fight tonight and I'm happy we were able to get that extra inning win. We did not press and we trusted the process. Getting this win felt really good." 

It was a pitcher's duel in Iowa City on Tuesday night, as neither starter gave up a hit or a run through six innings.

Hailey Duwa ended Iowa's no-hitter with a home run in the seventh inning over the right-field wall.

Ira gave up her first hit in the bottom of the seventh inning with two outs and two strikes. The Hawkeyes followed the double with a single and tied up the game at one run apiece. This was the second time this season that Ira's no-hit attempt failed with one strike to go.

To begin the game, the Leathernecks were patient at the plate, forcing Iowa's Allison Doocy to throw 42 pitches through the first two innings. 

Efficient in the circle all night, starter Ira recorded a four-pitch inning against the Hawkeyes in the third frame. The Leatherneck ace struck out three Hawkeyes in the first four innings. Both pitchers continued to deal strikes through six innings as Doocy recorded eight strikeouts while Ira fanned four of Hawkeyes.

Western Illinois loaded the bases in the eighth inning after Alyssa Ealy and Rachel Beatty each reached on a bunt while a pitch hit Ashley Minyard. With one out, Payton Abbott grounded to the shortstop to score Ealy to break the tie.

The Hawkeyes put a runner on in the eighth inning, but Iowa left her stranded as Western picked up the win.

The Leathernecks resume Summit League play on April 21 against Omaha.
   
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