University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
(3) Michigan
Gophers Suffer 3-1 Setback at No. 3 Michigan
4/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 19, 2014
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The No. 12/13 Minnesota softball team fell 3-1 to third-ranked Michigan at the Wilpon Complex's Alumni Field in Ann Arbor, MIch. Saturday night in a battle between the Big Ten's top two teams. The loss dropped the Gophers' record on the season to 33-7 with an 11-4 mark in the conference.
Freshman pitcher Sara Groenewegen had a solid start in the circle, but suffered her first collegiate loss, allowing three runs on three hits over 4.2 innings, while striking out five.
In the first inning. Kaitlyn Richardson picked up a hit to extend her bases-reached streak to 21, but the Gophers were unable to muster any more offense. Michigan, however, was able to pick up a run in the frame, using a bloop hit by Nicole Sappingfield that turned into a triple and a double by leading hitter Sierra Romero to jump in front, 1-0.
Taylor LeMay evened the score in the third inning, notching her second single of the night-this one with the bases loaded and two out-to drive in Erica Meyer. The bases remained loaded, but Minnesota couldn't push across any more runs.
Groenewegen settled down after conceding the first inning run until the fifth inning, when Lauren Sweet and Kelly Christner reached via walk and No. 1 hitter Lyndsay Doyle knocked both runners home with a double to center field.
The Gophers loaded the bases with one out in the top of the fifth, but were unable to claim a lead when a LeMay flyout to center with the bases full turned into an inning-ending double play when Meyer was thrown out on a close play at the plate after a strong throw by Doyle.
Nikki Anderson pitched 1.1 strong innings of relief in her first appearance since March 29, but Minnesota could not plate any more runs as Friday starter Haylie Wagner picked up her 20th win of the season by pitching the final 2.2 innings for the Wolverines.
The loss dropped the Gophers' record against ranked teams to 7-4 on the season.
Minnesota and Michigan will play a noon CT rubber match in Ann Arbor Sunday. The game will air on tape delay on the Big Ten Network.
