Newman pitches one-hit shutout in USI’s 1-0 win

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Sophomore pitcher Josie Newman (Indianapolis, Indiana) pitched her first shutout of the season on Friday as University of Southern Indiana Softball opened the Samford Bulldog Classic with a 1-0 win against Samford University.
 
Newman threw a one-hitter with 10 strikeouts across seven innings. She earned her second win of the 2023 season. The shutout performance on Friday follows six shutouts a season ago during Newman’s freshman campaign.
 
Southern Indiana (3-1) got on the scoreboard in the top of the second inning. After senior infielder Jordan Rager (Fishers, Indiana) reached on a fielder’s choice, a single by senior designated player Allie Goodin (Evansville, Indiana) and a defensive error by Samford allowed Rager to advance to third.
 
With runners on the corner and one out, senior infielder Rachel Martinez (Chicago, Illinois) sent one to right field for the RBI knock to bring Rager home and give USI the 1-0 lead.
 
After that point, Newman had all the run support she needed, as nine of her 10 strikeouts came after the first inning. In fact, Newman struck out the side in order in the third inning. She remained in control for the rest of the game.
 
Samford (2-8) only had two baserunners reach second base in the game. The Bulldogs had only four total baserunners.
 
Samford’s freshman pitcher Sara Bond was dealt the loss, allowing the unearned run and two hits in 1.1 innings. Sophomore pitcher MacKenzie Newcomb entered the game afterward and nearly matched USI’s Newman. Newcomb went 5.2 innings of relief with nine strikeouts and gave up just one hit.
 
The Screaming Eagles return to action at the Bulldog Classic Saturday at 1:30 p.m. to face an old Division II foe in the University of North Alabama. Later Saturday evening, USI will take on Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) at 6:30 p.m.