University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Softball Downs Illinois in Big Ten Opener
3/29/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
The two teams went scoreless until the bottom of the fifth inning when the Gophers scored two unearned runs. Erin Wallace, who pinch-ran for Angie Recknor, scored on an error by the third-base player, scoring the first run of the game. Recknor started the inning by reaching on an error. With the bases loaded, the Gophers' Shelly Nichols reached on a fielder's choice, with an out at the plate. However, Illinois did not call time and the pitcher was not in the circle, giving Stephanie Sward a chance to steal. After a debate at home plate, the call stood as a run, giving Minnesota a two-run advantage.
Recknor was on the mound for the Gophers, shutting Illinois down in the sixth and seventh for the win. Recknor allowed just three hits in the game. Recknor, a junior from Minnetonka, Minn., got out of what could have been a four-run first inning. Recknor allowed a hit against the first batter of the game, walked the next two, but left all three on base. Facing 27 batters, Recknor had four strikeouts and three walks on the night.
Next action for the Golden Gophers will be tomorrow, March 30 at noon in North Mankato. The Gophers will then take on Purdue in a doubleheader also at Caswell Park.
Directions to Mankato from campus: Take 35W south to 494 west. After taking the 494 west exit, take the interstate to highway 169 south. Highway 169 can be taken all the way down to Mankato. Take highway 14 west (which also says New Ulm) off of 169 south. Once on highway 14, take Lor Ray Drive and at the top of the exit ramp, turn right. On Lor Ray Drive, there is a four-way stop at the intersection of Lor Ray and Howard Drive. Turn left on Howard and the park is on the left-hand side with parking in front of the facility.
