PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh softball team secured a series victory over Boston College on Sunday, winning a high-scoring affair 12-9 at Vartabedian Field. The win marks the second consecutive ACC series triumph for the Panthers, who demonstrated a potent combination of hitting and resilience against a determined Eagles squad. This series win is a key step as Pitt navigates a challenging conference schedule.
Pitt (17-12, 4-5 ACC) and Boston College (10-20, 2-4 ACC) engaged in a back-and-forth battle, with both teams answering each other’s offensive bursts throughout the afternoon. The Panthers’ 13-hit performance, coupled with timely power, proved to be the difference. The team’s ability to capitalize with runners in scoring position – finishing 8-for-13 in those situations – was crucial to securing the victory.
Early Exchanges and a Test of Will
The Panthers wasted no time establishing an early lead. In the first inning, Tieley Vaughn reached base with a single and later scored on an RBI base hit from KK Esparza. However, Boston College quickly responded, putting pressure on Pitt’s pitching staff. The Eagles scored three runs in the second inning and added two more in the third, taking a 5-4 lead.
Pitt refused to yield. Ahmari Braden drove in a run with an infield single, and then Vaughn and Alena Ball followed with RBI hits, tying the game at 4-4 after two innings. The momentum continued to swing as Camryn Murphy launched a solo home run in the third, briefly regaining the lead for Pitt, only for Boston College to answer with three more runs in the fourth, pushing ahead 8-5.
Panthers Erupt in the Fourth, Secure the Lead
The bottom of the fourth inning proved to be the turning point. Pitt’s offense exploded, scoring four runs to take a 9-8 lead. Esparza delivered an RBI single, followed by an RBI double from Calle Henne, and a run-scoring double from Mackenzie Reese. Murphy capped the inning with an RBI groundout, giving the Panthers a lead they would not relinquish.
Closing Strong, Pitt Extends Advantage
Boston College managed to tie the game at 9-9 with a run in the sixth inning, but Pitt quickly responded. Esparza led off the bottom of the sixth with her team-leading sixth home run of the season. Then, after Murphy reached base, Gracie Helton blasted a two-run home run, extending Pitt’s lead to 12-9.
In the circle, Kyra Pittman (7-3) earned the win in relief, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing only one run whereas striking out five. She entered the game in the fourth inning and effectively shut down the Eagles’ offense, retiring the final three batters on strikeouts in the seventh. Pittman’s performance provided crucial stability as the Panthers closed out the game.
Offensive Standouts
Offensively, Tieley Vaughn and KK Esparza each recorded three hits, with Esparza driving in three runs. Camryn Murphy scored three times and contributed a home run and two RBIs, while Gracie Helton’s two-run home run proved to be a pivotal moment.
The Panthers, now winners of three of their last four games, will continue their season with a midweek game at Ohio on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Before traveling to face No. 16 Virginia for a weekend series. You can find the full Pitt softball schedule and updated information on the official Pitt Athletics website.
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