University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
14-12
Northwestern
10-7
Gophers Out-Hit Wildcats, but Fall 5-2
3/17/2024 2:11:00 PM | Softball
Minnesota falls to Big Ten Opponent Northwestern
COLUMBIA, S.C. -Â Despite picking up seven hits in the ballgame and out-hitting Northwestern, Minnesota was unable to push across more runs, as the Golden Gophers were defeated by the Wildcats 5-2 Sunday.
Senior Bri Enter (9-5) started and took the loss in the circle for Minnesota (14-12). Freshman Macy Richardson was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 2.2 innings, surrendering one run on two hits, walking none and striking out two.
Offensively, the Golden Gophers were led by senior Morgan DeBord, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a double and an RBI. Junior Nani Valencia put together a standout effort as well, going 1-for-4 with a double.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Golden Gophers were trailing 3-0 in the fourth inning when they first put runs on the board. Minnesota got on the board thanks to DeBord's RBI double with two outs.
The Wildcats expanded their lead to 5-1 before the Golden Gophers offense got back to work, cutting into that lead in the seventh. Sophomore Jess Oakland came across to score the lone run of the inning for Minnesota, which tightened the Wildcats lead to 5-2. The ballgame ended with that seventh inning rally falling short.
GAME NOTES
» Minnesota's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed one run across.
» The Golden Gophers out-hit the Wildcats at a 7-6 clip.
» Minnesota pitchers faced 28 Northwestern hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and six fly balls while striking out two.
» The Golden Gophers drew five walks from Northwestern pitching.
» DeBord led the Golden Gophers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Ashley Miller (4-3)
L: Enter, Bri (9-5)
Batting:
2B: Valencia, Nani 1 ; DeBord, Morgan 1
RBI: Ehlke, Maddy 1 ; DeBord, Morgan 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Oakland, Jess 1 ; Burnett, Breezy 1
PO: Cox, Delanie 1
Batting:
RBI: Bridget Donahey 2 ; Angela Zedak 1 ; Izzy Cunnea 1
SH: Kelsey Nader 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Kansas Robinson 1 ; Hannah Cady 1 ; Bridget Donahey 2 ; Grace Minarovic 1
SB: Hannah Cady 1 ; Bridget Donahey 1 ; Emma Raye 1
