University of Minnesota Athletics
SB: Top-Ranked Michigan Sweeps the Golden Gophers
4/10/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
The top-ranked Michigan softball team (40-3, 7-1) swept a two-game series against Minnesota on Sunday afternoon at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium. The Wolverines used a pair of two-out, two-run home runs to claim a 4-0 win in the opener. In the second game, Michigan rolled to an 11-0, five-inning victory.
In the first game, senior Lyn Peyer held the potent Wolverine attack to just five hits, but Minnesota could not get any offense going against Michigan starter Jennie Ritter. The Wolverines broke a scoreless tie in the top of the fourth inning. With two outs and one runner on, Michigan’s Grace Leutele launched a 3-2 pitch over the left field wall to give the Wolverines a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the sixth inning with two outs, Samantha Findlay singled to center. Nicole Motycka followed with a two-run home run to left field.
Ritter struck out 14 Golden Gophers to improve her record to 17-0 on the year. Peyer allowed just five hits, while striking out two in the loss.
Lindsey Erickson and Valerie Alston paced the Golden Gophers with two hits apiece.
In the second game, Michigan wasted little time with three runs in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, the Wolverines rattled off three straight singles to take a 1-0 lead. After a sacrifice fly made it 2-0, Leutele drove Jessica Merchant home with a single to left field.
In the bottom of the second inning, Michigan broke the game open with six runs on seven hits. With the bases loaded, Merchant singled, but the ball got past centerfielder Stefanie Watt, which allowed three runs to score. Findlay followed with a two-run home run to left.
The Wolverines increased their lead to 11-0 in the bottom of the third inning thanks to back-to-back home runs. Alessandra Giampaolo launched a one-out, solo home run to left field. Merchant followed with another solo home run to right field.
Lorilyn Wilson earned the win for Michigan after allowing just one hit. She struck out five as she improved to 18-2 on the year.
Merchant led Michigan with three hits and four RBI, while Findlay added two hits and three RBI.
The Golden Gophers continue their homestand on Thursday with a non-conference doubleheader against North Dakota State. Minnesota returns to Big Ten play on
