McDonnell blasts 20th career HR for YSU

CANFIELD — Junior Kristen McDonnell went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run and five RBIs to lead the Youngstown State softball team to an 8-6 win over Butler to win the season series Sunday at McCune Park.

McDonnell became the second player in school history to hit 20 career home runs when she gave YSU (8-27, 4-12 Horizon) a 2-0 lead with a two-run blast in the bottom of the second inning.

Butler (16-23, 5-8) capitalized on two Penguins’ errors in the top half of the third inning to take a 4-2 lead.

YSU, however, answered with a four-run inning to regain a 6-4 advantage.

Sophomore Cheryl Cale, who pitched 41‚Ñ3 innings to pick up her second straight win and her fifth of the season, led off the bottom of the third with a walk and Rochelle Vanyi’s bunt single put runners on first and second.

Katy Potakar’s two-run double tied the game at 4-4 and after Jamie Fornal walked and stole second, McDonnell single to center to score more.

In the bottom of the fifth, McDonnell singled up the middle to score McKenzie Bedra, who doubled, and Bethany Hafley’s fielder’s choice plated Fornal to put the Penguins up 8-4.

Butler added a run in the sixth and seventh inning.

YSU plays host to Canisius Tuesday at 2 p.m. at McCune Park.