Syracuse splits doubleheader with Louisville

Syracuse (25-20, 8-10 Atlantic Coast) dropped the first game of its doubleheader against Louisville (31-10, 12-4), 4-0, before winning the second game of the day, 4-0, over the Cardinals on the road.

Jocelyn Cater got the start for the Orange in the first game, lasting five innings and giving up three runs on five hits and one strikeout. She was relieved by Sydney O’Hara, who went one inning in the circle, surrendering three hits, three walks and one runs.

Offensively, the Orange was led by leadoff hitter Sammy Fernandez, who batted 2-for-4 with a double. Alicia Hansen, Danielle Chitkowski and Kelsey Johnson also added hits for SU.

Louisville posted eight hits in the 4-0 victory over the Orange.

In the second game of the day, AnnaMarie Gatti threw a complete game shutout in the circle, striking out two and surrendering just two hits in seven innings in a 4-0 win over the Cardinals.

Nicole Pufahl was the only Cardinals player to post a hit in the second game, notching two singles in the Louisville loss.

Sammy Fernandez had yet another stellar performance at the plate for the Orange, going 2-for-4 with two singles. Five other Orange hitters tallied hits in the four-run victory.

Saturday’s games mark the fifth time the Orange has split an ACC doubleheader this season. It also split its doubleheader last Wednesday against Colgate.

With just two and a half weeks left in the regular season, the Orange is back in action again on Sunday for the rubber match of the weekend series. First pitch is set for noon.