Female pitcher Sarah Hudek picks up first collegiate win – CBSSports.com

Sarah Hudek picked up her first college win Wednesday. (YouTube screen grab)

Sarah Hudek, who is believed to be the only female playing college baseball this season, has her first career win. The Bossier Parish Community College (La.) freshman southpaw came out of the bullpen to beat Hinds Community College (Miss.) on Wednesday night.

“I was a little nervous, but I was mentally ready to go in whenever coach (Aaron) Vorachek called for me,” said Hudek to Jimmy Watson of the Shreveport Times. “I wanted to show that I can come in and perform in any situation. I felt great and was able to find the strike zone quickly.”

BPCC fell behind No. 9 ranked Hinds 4-1 early in the game before rallying to take a 5-4 lead in the fourth inning, giving Hudek the win. She allowed three infield singles and struck out three in 2 2/3 innings of relief work. Here’s a video from WJTV12 on Hudek’s victory:

“This win was a difference maker, a big confidence boost for our team,” said Hudek to Watson. “Hinds is a national contender and to battle like that says a lot about our team. This should give us a momentum boost going into the weekend.”

The first woman to play baseball at the collegiate level was Julie Croteau, who suited up for St. Mary’s College in 1989. Ila Borders became the first woman to pitch in a college game in 1994. She appeared in a game for Whittier College. Several other women have played collegiately over the years, but Hudek is believed to be the only one doing so in 2016.

Hudek is the daughter of former big leaguer John Hudek, who played for five teams from 1994-99. He was an All-Star as a rookie closer with the Astros in 1994. Hudek describes herself as a finesse lefty.

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