University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Drops Doubleheader to Michigan State
4/25/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. The University of Minnesota softball team lost both games of a Big Ten doubleheader with Michigan State on Saturday afternoon at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium, dropping the first game by a score of 1-0 in eight innings, and then losing the nightcap, 3-0.
The first game was a classic pitchers’ duel between Minnesota’s Briana Hassett and Michigan State’s Lauren Kramer, with the Spartans prevailing.
Michigan State centerfielder Jessica Brocamonte provided the game's lone run with a solo home run to right field in the top of the eighth, spoiling a solid pitching performance for Hassett, who allowed just four hits and struck out eight.
The Gophers attempted to rally in the bottom of the eighth, with sophomore Malisa Barnes leading off with a double over the head of the Spartans' centerfielder. But senior catcher Shannon Stemper lined to the second baseman, and Barnes was doubled off.
Sophomore designated player Mallory Mitchell then followed with a single to left center to keep the rally alive, and Heidi Carls was hit by a pitch to move pinch-runner Chonquita Jones into scoring position, but senior pinch-hitter Katie Dalen grounded out to second to end the game.
In the second game, the Spartans jumped ahead 2-0 in the top of the fifth, added a run in the sixth, and held on for the 3-0 victory.
Minnesota once again tried to rally, as junior left fielder Heidi Carls hit a two-out double to center in the seventh, but Dalen’s deep drive to the warning track in right center was hauled in by MSU right fielder Karen Fox to preserve the sweep for the Spartans.
Carls combined to go 2-for-5 at the plate in the games, while senior shortstop Colleen Conway and freshman second baseman Sammie Howard were each 2-for-7.
Hassett suffered the losses to fall to 22-21 on the season, but combined for 17 strikeouts and just three walks in the two games. Hassett now has 388 strikeouts in 290 innings this year, which moves her into fifth place on the Big Ten’s all-time single-season strikeout list.
Michigan State's Kramer recorded the victory in both games to improve her record to 8-10 on the season. Kramer combined to allow just 10 hits and no runs versus the Gophers, while striking out 16 and walking just three.
The Golden Gophers fell to 23-28 overall and 6-10 in the Big Ten with the losses, while MSU improved to 18-25 overall and 2-11 in the conference. Minnesota returns to action next weekend, when it plays host to Illinois in the final home games of the season. Saturday’s first pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
