University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Illinois State
Gophers Comeback To Win 7-3 Over Illinois State
3/5/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Softball Season Tickets Now on Sale for Just $50
The No. 10/11 University of Minnesota Gophers overcame a rain delay, sloppy conditions and a 3-2 deficit going into the sixth inning to win 7-3 over Illinois State this afternoon.
After the first inning of play the game went into an hour and 12 minute delay. Minnesota came out swinging to start things back up in the top of the second and scored on a deep Dani Wagner sacrifice fly to center.
The Maroon and Gold added another run in the third when Sydney Dwyer hit a shot to center to bring in Maddie Houlihan. Dwyer already has 20 RBIs this season.
The Redbirds tied things up in the bottom of the third and took the lead in the fourth. Amber Fiser started the game in the circle and went three innings. Carlie Brandt came into the game and the fourth inning and held on for the victory.
The Gophers threatened in the fifth inning loading the bases with no outs on three straight walks. The Redbirds turned a big double play and forced another groundout right after to get out of the jam.
Staying true to their gritty style of play the Gophers finally punched runs across in the sixth. Wagner got hit by a pitch and Allie Arneson dropped a bunt single with Wagner going to third on an error to start the frame. Macken ripped an RBI single up the middle scoring Wagner.
Later in the inning Kendyl Lindaman came through in the clutch again. She already has three go-ahead home runs this season and added a go-ahead RBI single. She stepped up with two outs on the board and smacked a single down the left line moving the Gophers ahead 4-3.
The bats stayed hot in the seventh for the Gophers. Wagner added another RBI with a double to center and Macken brought in another run with a double off the right field wall. Houlihan hit a bases loaded sacrifice fly to center for the final run.
Brandt and the field shut the door in the bottom of the seventh to complete the win. Brandt moves to 3-0 on the season with a 0.95 ERA. Minnesota will head to Washington next week for the start of their spring break trip.
Don't forget to follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all season long to keep up with the latest news, features, videos and more!
