Esparza Grand Slam Lifts Pitt Past Syracuse, 6-5

Friday, April 3

Pittsburgh, Pa.

3 PM

Pitt

19-17, 5-9

Syracuse

12-15, 1-8

Syracuse

Pitt

Esparza Grand Slam Lifts Pitt Past Syracuse, 6-5

4/3/2026 5:31:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

PITTSBURGH – Pitt used a big fourth inning to secure a 6-5 win over Syracuse in game two of the series Friday afternoon at Vartabedian Field.

The Panthers threatened early when KK Esparza and Calle Henne drew back-to-back walks with two outs in the bottom of the first, but a flyout ended the frame. Gwen Sparks settled in from there, retiring the side in the second inning with consecutive strikeouts to keep the game scoreless.

Pitt struck first in the bottom of the second. Gracie Helton recorded the game's first hit with a single to center before Ahmari Braden followed with a base hit to move Helton to third. Addison Toczek lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing home Helton for a 1-0 Panthers lead after two innings.

Syracuse responded with two runs in the top of the third to take a 2-1 advantage, but Pitt answered in a big way in the fourth. With the bases loaded and two outs, Mackenzie Reese tied the game after being hit by a pitch. Esparza then delivered the decisive swing, launching a grand slam to put the Panthers in front 6-2.

The Orange cut into the lead in the fifth with a three-run homer, trimming the margin to 6-5, but Pitt's pitching held firm down the stretch. Sparks earned the win, while Allie Lukaszewicz recorded the save, tossing 2.0 shutout innings to close it out.

Pitt and Syracuse wrap up the series Saturday at 2 p.m.