University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
LIU Brooklyn
Wenner Provides Spark in Gophers Win
3/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
A five run fourth inning sparked by the speed of Kayla Wenner propelled the Gophers to an 8-0 win in five innings over Long Island University-Brooklyn.
Sara Groenewegen followed up a perfect game last night with another great game in the circle today. She allowed a double to the leadoff hitter but would not allow another hit in four innings of work. She has gone 18 straight innings without allowing a run. In 14 innings of work this weekend she only gave up two hits while striking out 22 batters.
The bats were cold for the Gophers in the first three innings not getting a single player on base but they caught fire in the fourth.
Sam Macken led off the inning with a double to right center. The doubles continue to pile up for her as she now as 14 on the season. Wenner followed with a bunt single putting runners on the corners.
Danielle Parlich brought in the game's first run on an RBI ground out.
Wenner's speed stole the show on the next two plays. Taylor LeMay drilled a ball to third base and as the player turned to lay a tag down, Wenner was already sliding safely into the bag. Groenewegen hit a little blooper next getting on with a fielder's choice as again LIU tried to tag out Wenner but she was too quick sliding underneath and touching home plate for the run.
Paige Palkovich ripped a shot up the middle for an RBI single next. Later in the inning with two outs on the board and two runners on Sydney Dwyer came up and showed patience in the box until she got the pitch she wanted driving it down the right field line to bring in two runs.
The top or the order came up again in the top of the fifth and patted the lead adding three more runs. Macken and Wenner both singled to get on early. They were moved by a Parlich sacrifice bunt.
LeMay brought them both in with a big double to left center. The eighth run needed for a run rule came in the form of another Palkovich RBI as she torched a double to right center.
Kylie Stober came in to pitch in the bottom of the fifth and secured the victory. She only allowed one hit while striking out one batter.
No. 19/17 Minnesota closes out the FAU Tournament 3-2 and are 16-7 overall on the season. On Tuesday they stop in Tulsa, Okla. for a game there and will have a rematch against No. 13 Oklahoma on Wednesday.
