University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Mercer
Groenewegen Throws Perfect Game
3/12/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Sara Groenewegen added to her legacy throwing her first career perfect game and fifth career no-hitter as the Gophers topped Florida Atlantic University 1-0 this evening.
"I am really happy and proud of my teammates. It was an awesome team win," Groenewegen said. "I just found out that every single person on the team made an out and I think that is so incredibly awesome. It was really special to me."
Included in those outs by the field were some highlight reel catches made by the outfield. While Groenewegen was quick to make it about the team, she helped her own cause firing in 12 strikeouts.
"I was trying to think back and I don't think I have seen a perfect game before," head coach Jessica Allister said. "She did a tremendous job against a really good team."
The Gophers lone run was a blast of a home run to right center by Sydney Fabian.
Earlier in the afternoon the Gophers fell 5-2 to Mercer.
First Game: Mercer 5, Minnesota 2
Despite recording seven hits and being helped by four errors the Gophers fell short against Mercer leaving 12 runners on base.
Mercer scored two right away in the top of the first reaching early on an error and a single back to the pitcher. They went on to score with back-to-back RBI ground outs.
The Gophers used some great hustle plays to get on the board in the bottom of the second inning. Paige Palkovich led off beating out a throw from second base as she slid head first. A Sydney Dwyer single to shortstop put runners on first and second.
Fabian came up next and on a close play reached first safely taking out the player covering first in the process as the two collided. The collision provided an opportunity for Palkovich to round third and come for the score.
Mercer used a big fourth inning to grow their lead to four scoring three runs on three hits.
Kylie Stober kept the Maroon and Gold in the game coming in relief for the final 3.2 innings as she struck out four batters and did not allow a run on three hits.
Minnesota had opportunities in the third, fourth and fifth inning with runners on first and second in all three but could not produce a run.
Groenewegen hit a single through the left side in the bottom of the seventh inning. Erika Rozell came in to pinch run and was brought home in the form of a Maddie Houlihan double down the left field line with the Gophers hanging on to their last out. Mercer forced a pop up the next at bat to get out of the inning and seal the victory.
Nikki Anderson took the loss in the circle falling to 3-2 on the season. Groenewegen had two hits in the game while Sam Macken, Danielle Parlich, Palkovich, Houlihan and Dwyer all added one.
Second Game: Minnesota 1, FAU 0
FAU came into the game with only three losses while Minnesota was in need of a win after falling twice on the weekend prior to the game.
Groenewegen set the tone early as she struck out the first three FAU batters of the game. She also had the first Gophers hit of the game with a double in the second inning.
After again retiring the side in the second the Gophers came to the plate and got the only run they would need. With one out Fabian stepped up to the plate and got the pitch she wanted on a 3-1 count launching the ball over the right field wall.
Fabian was not done making big plays. In the fourth inning she put her body on the line laying out for a fly ball and coming up with the diving catch to preserve the perfect game at that point.
FAU stayed strong scattering only three more Minnesota hits but Groenewegen and the Gophers field did not give an inch.
In the top of the seventh inning, FAU placed a ball to left field but Wenner went sprinting and brought in a shoestring catch on the run for the out. Palkovich got underneath a fly ball to center for the second out. Putting the cherry on top was a final Groenewegen strikeout to end the game.
The last Gopher to throw a perfect game was the current Minnesota pitching coach, Piper (Marten) Ritter, on April 17, 2002.
Minnesota is 15-7 after splitting again today. They will play Long Island tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. to close out the weekend at FAU.
