INDIANAPOLIS – Butler and UConn combined for 27 hits and 19 runs in the first game of a three-game series on Thursday afternoon. The two clubs exploded to score five runs each in the first inning at Bulldog Park, although only one run would cross home plate over the final three. In the end, UConn improved to 30-21 on the season and BU moved to 20-33.
 
UConn hit two, two-run home runs in the top of the first to race out to a 5-0 lead. Butler countered with five runs of their own off three hits in the bottom half of the frame. RBIs went to Kade Lewis, Tommy Townsend and Drew Charney.
 
A wild pitch separated the two teams in the fourth and the Huskies would stay on top the rest of the way.
 
Studley homered in the firth to make it a three-run game and Padilla doubled down the line in the sixth to make the score 10-7.
 
Evan Parks had a big hit for BU in the fifth to score Townsend and Carter. Carter came back to the plate in the sixth to cap off a great day from the plate. His single to right center helped Lewis come around to score which made the game 10-8.
 
Butler's final run crossed home plate in the bottom of the seventh. Jack Moroknek singled to left to score Urban.
 
Lewis and Carter highlighted the lineup for BU on Thursday. Carter went 3-for-3 from the dish with two walks, one run scored, and an RBI. Lewis matched Carter with three hits. He went 3-for-5 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored.
 
In all, Butler collected 15 hits, but they were all singles. UConn had 12 hits including two doubles and three home runs.
 
Garrett Coe, Gabe Van Emon and Braden Quinn all touched the rubber for UConn. Coe got the start and was touched up with seven runs coming off seven hits. He walked six and struck out three. Van Emon threw three in relief before Quinn entered for the save (3).
 
The Bulldogs went with Gage Vota at the start of the game, Christian Finnigan out of the pen and Cade Vota to close. Finnigan was hit with the loss. Cade Vota kept UConn off the scoreboard over the final three frames.
 
Game two of the series will start at noon tomorrow in attempt to dodge the rain in the area. The BIG EAST Digital Network event will stream on FloSports.com.