Box score

VALPARAISO, Ind.--  Host Valparaiso used a five-run fourth to post a 7-1 win over Detroit in Horizon League softball action Sunday afternoon.  The extended inning broke open a close game, helping VU pull away for the victory.

Valpo (18-10, 3-0) stranded multiple runners on base in each of the first two innings before opening the scoring in the third.  A two-out liner up the middle was slowed by a diving Whitney Stratton, but two runners scored and the home team led 2-0 through three frames.

Detroit (4-11, 0-3) had several good swings on Crusader starter Alex Lagesse and eventually broke through in the fifth off reliever Shaleigh Jansen.  Karyn McCarty hammered a double into rightfield to start the inning and later came around on Whitney Stratton's RBI single.

The Titans would load the bases in that inning, but a groundout ended the threat.

McCarty took the loss for UDM, pitching 3.1 innings before giving way to Anna Bondy, who pitched the final 2.2 inings, surrendering just one hit.

McCarty, Stratton, Erin Huddleston and Renee Zaccagni all recorded hits on the day.  Rachel Copple was aboard three different times, all coming via hit-by-pitch.

The Titans will host Eastern Michigan on Tuesday for a non-conference doubleheader.  First pitch is slated for 3:00 p.m. at Buysse Ballpark.