University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Boise State
Gophers Get Bucked by the Broncos in Extra Innings
3/15/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 15, 2012
The University of Minnesota softball team dropped a heartbreaking eight-inning 2-1 loss to Boise State on Thursday to open up the SpringHill Suites Invitational.
Minnesota carried a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh, but Devon Bridges evened the score with a solo home run over the left field fence, which was only the Bronco's third hit of the game.
Boise State would push across the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth on a controversial call. After a lengthy coaches and umpire meeting, BSU would be granted the winning run based on obstruction at home plate by Kari Dorle.
The game began and ended as a pitching battle with only seven hits being tallied between the two foes. Minnesota would have the edge with four while Boise State recorded three.
The Golden Gophers were the first to push a run across as Tyler Walker slapped an opposite-field home run over the left field fence in the third inning, giving the Maroon and Gold a 1-0 lead. The home run was Walker's sixth of the season, which ties fellow freshman Kaitlyn Richardson for the most of the squad.
It wasn't until the bottom of the seventh that another run was scored, which was the Broncos' run on Bridges' solo shot.
Moulton was charged with the loss, which drops her to 13-5 on the season. Despite losing, the defending Big Ten Pitcher of the Week allowed only three hits and fanned 10 batters. It was the eighth game this season that the Eagan, Minn. has struck out double digit batters.
The Gophers look to avenge their loss to Boise State tomorrow as they face Portland State at 11 a.m. CST and Idaho State at 3 p.m. CST.
