MARKO TOMICH | Contributing Reporter

Butler softball is heating up as quickly as the weather, going 3-1 in its past four games. The Bulldogs look to continue their success against a conference foe, the St. John’s Red Storm today.

The Bulldogs split their double header against the Red Storm on April Fools’ Day. In the opening game, the Bulldogs pulled out a come-from-behind victory, picking up three runs in the seventh inning to overcome a 2-1 deficit.

Sophomore Kristin Gutierrez went the distance on the mound, giving up eight hits and two runs in seven innings. Gutierrez struck out 10.

The night game between the Red Storm and the Bulldogs was a back and forth offensive battle with the Storm winning 7-5.

Sophomore Alex Kotter had a huge game for Butler with two home runs and five RBI. Kotter is batting .286 on the season with a slugging percentage of .468.

Butler carried its momentum into the opening inning of their night game, as Kotter’s two-run homer gave Butler an early lead. St. John’s stormed back with a four-run rally in the second inning.

Freshman Alie Tarrant, 1-6 on the season, was on the mound. Tarrant pitched 2.1 innings giving up 10 hits and six runs before senior Callie Dennison came on in relief.

Kotter once again lifted Butler with a three-run home run in the third inning. It was her second hit on the day and just her third career home run. St. John’s recaptured the lead in the bottom of the third, adding two runs. A St. John’s single in the sixth inning put the nail in the coffin of the Bulldogs.

Butler will have a three-day break after today’s game and come home to Providence, the eighth-placed team in the Big East Conference. The Friars are 0-5 in conference play and 1-17 overall.

Butler will hope to capitalize on its home field advantage and improve on a 3-4 home record.