Pitt Drops Series Finale to No. 16 Duke

Sunday, April 13

Pittsburgh, PA

1 PM EST

Pitt

14-26, 4-14

Duke

31-13, 12-6

Duke

Pitt

Pitt Drops Series Finale to No. 16 Duke

4/13/2025 4:18:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

PITTSBURGH – The Pitt softball team had a strong start to the series finale after scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning but ultimately dropped to No. 16 Duke, 11-3, Sunday afternoon at Vartabedian Field.

Camryn Murphy led the Panthers offense and had a hand in each of the three runs scored for the Panthers, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a triple, two RBI, and a run scored. Kylie Griggs extended her hitting streak to 10 games after going 1-for-3 with a double.

Griggs started the game with a leadoff double to left center field in the bottom of the first. Kaitlyn Brannstrom drew a walk and Tieley Vaughn hit a perfectly placed bunt just in front of home plate to move the Panthers into scoring position with one out. Murphy hit a triple to right field to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead. Murphy later stole home to add another run on a double steal of home and second base form her and Desirae Martinez.

Duke tied the game 3-3 on a Jada Baker two-run single and took a 6-3 lead after KK Mathis hit a three-run homer to cap off a five-run inning in the third. The Blue Devils plated one more run in the fourth inning for a 7-3 lead.

Amanda "Tuta" Ramirez and KK Esparza hit back-to-back singles in the bottom of the fourth to get two runners on base. Griggs got intentionally walked to load the bases with one out, but Cassidy Curd entered the game and retired the next two batters on strikeouts to end the inning.

The Blue Devils matched the Panthers in the top of the fifth by also loading the bases with one out. Bekah Duck struck out D'Auna Jennings and then ended the inning on a ground out to leave three runners stranded.

Duck entered the game with two outs in the bottom of the third and produced another strong outing for the Panthers. The freshman left-handed pitcher held the Blue Devils to one run on four hits through 3.2 innings before giving up four runs in the seventh.

Curd (12-7) earned the win for Duke while Kyra Pittman (8-16) was saddled with the loss.

GRIGGS ON FIRE
Kylie Griggs batted .600 (6-for-10) with three doubles, two home runs, three runs scored and three RBI in three games against the Blue Devils. The senior outfielder is currently on a 10-game hitting streak and is batting .471 (16-for-34) with seven RBI, six doubles, and four home runs in that span.

UP NEXT
The Panthers are on the road to face Penn State in a midweek contest on Tuesday, April 15. Pitt returns to Vartabedian Field to host No. 12 Virginia Tech in a three-game series, beginning Thursday, April 17.