MADISON, Wis. – It was a very Happy Birthday for freshman Taylor Johnson, who started the Wisconsin softball team on a strong note with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning to help UW (26-19 overall, 10-8 Big Ten) win the series opener over Northwestern (33-15, 9-4) 7-1.

Johnson homered over center field and put the Badgers up 2-0, scoring herself and Kelsey Jenkins in the bottom of the first on Friday night at Goodman Diamond.

Jenkins brought in a run of her own in the next inning, singling to score Jordan Little.

In the bottom of the third, Samantha Arents pinch hit and hit an RBI single to right field, scoring Lauren Foster. Arents advanced to second on a throwing error that scored Little to widen the lead, 5-0.

Heather Rudnicki put herself into scoring position early in the fifth, leading off with a single before stealing second and then advanced to third in a wild pitch. Little stepped up to the plate and finished off the play, singling to right to score Rudnicki.

Northwestern got on the board in the sixth frame when Rachel Lewis homered over left, making the score 6-1.

Wisconsin tacked one more run on in the bottom of the sixth when Stephanie Lombardo singled to center and brought in Melanie Cross.

Batting Cleanup – 4 Notes to Know:

• Wisconsin won its ninth home game of the season and improved to 9-1 on the season.
• Both Taylor Johnson and Kelsey Jenkins extended four-game reached-base streaks.
• Both Johnson and Jenkins have had 11 total hits at home this season.
• Haley Hestekin had her 15th win of the season after pitching a complete game, only allowing three hits, one run and striking out five batters
   

On Deck:
Wisconsin plays Northwestern again on Saturday and Sunday, both at noon. The games will be streamed live on BTN Plus and Sunday's game will serve as Senior Day, celebrating the careers of Sam Arents, Brianna Flugaur, Kelsey Jenkins, Mariah Watts and Brooke Wyderski.