There’s more than one way to win a softball game.
The No. 3 Blue Devils improved to 38-4 on the season after their 11th straight conference victory on Friday night, but the 1-0 win over Virginia looked a little different than most.
After a scoreless regulation, Duke and the Cavaliers needed nearly a complete second game of sudden death before a run crossed the plate.
However, in the bottom of the 12th, with runners on first and second and just one out on the board, Duke’s Jada Baker strode to the plate. Baker laid down a perfect bunt down the first-base line, forcing UVA pitcher Madison Harris to try and throw Baker out at first.
The throw got away from Harris, however, and second baseman Bella Cabral slipped trying to haul it in. The error let Duke senior Francesca Frelick make it all the way around to home for the game’s winning (and only) run.
Came in and executed the moment! 🔥👏
LET'S GO, @jadabaker03 ‼️‼️‼️ https://t.co/2h0TO5Rwpl pic.twitter.com/4JN6kHbjTu
— Duke Softball (@DukeSOFTBALL) April 20, 2024
Duke’s second game of the series starts on Saturday at 1 p.m.