University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Georgia State
Moulton Strikes Out 15 in Victory Over GSU
3/14/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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March 14, 2014
CONWAY, S.C. - Behind a strong pitching outing by senior Sara Moulton, the No. 18/21 Minnesota softball team defeated Georgia State, 7-0, on the first day of play at the Chanticleer Showdown Friday in Conway, S.C. The Gophers improved to 18-3 with the victory, the best 21-game start in school history.
Moulton collected her school-record 97th-career win in an effort that included 15 strikeouts and two baserunners-one who reached on an error-in six innings of work.
After a scoreless first inning, Minnesota got its offense going in the second when Taylor LeMay and Sam Macken reached base via walk and single, respectively. After the runners advanced to second and third, Tyler Walker put the Maroon and Gold up 2-0 with a two-RBI double. Walker then scored on a double by Erica Meyer.
In the third inning, the Gophers added to their lead when Bree Blanchette singled home Kelsey Klucas in the next frame. Klucas was pinch running for Sara Groenewegen, who led off the inning with the first triple of her career.
As Moulton continued to cruise in the pitching circle, Minnesota continued to tack on runs as LeMay and Madie Eckstrom knocked home runs with RBI singles in the fifth. Kaitlyn Richardson capped the scoring with an RBI double in the sixth. The hit was the junior infielder's eighth double of the season and the RBI was her 25th.
Nikki Anderson closed out the game, tossing one strikeout in the final inning.
The Gophers pick up action at the Chanticleer Showdown with games against Troy and host Coastal Carolina Saturday. The first game begins at 1:30 p.m. CT. Play in Conway, S.C. ends Sunday with another contest against the Trojans. Minnesota's final game before Big Ten action kicks off is Wednesday at South Carolina.
