Michigan softball team outslugs Eastern Michigan, 9-7
Michigan players wait at home plate to congratulate sophomore Ashley Lane after her fourth-inning home run during the Wolverines' 9-7 win over Eastern Michigan on Tuesday night.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
Hits were scattered all around Alumni Field Tuesday night when the Eastern Michigan softball team made the short road trip to play at No. 2-ranked Michigan.
Both teams had 10 hits, but two home runs led the Wolverines to a 9-7 win.
Amanda Chidester hit a three-run home run in the second inning that capped a five-run Wolverines’ rally. That wiped out an early 2-0 Eastern lead.
Chidester went 2-for-3 and scored three runs from the cleanup spot for Michigan (45-4), which built its lead to 8-2 after Ashley Lane's two-run homer in the fourth. Bree Evans and Dorian Shaw added two hits apiece. (Boxscore)
Nellie Coquillard cut into that advantage with a three-run home run in the fifth inning off Michigan starter Hillary Payne, who allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits over five innings.
Coquillard finished with five RBIs for Eastern Michigan (23-14). Eagles’ leadoff hitter Jessica Richards went 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI.
Melanie Maxwell is a photographer for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at melaniemaxwell@annarbor.com. Follow AnnArbor.com photography on Facebook at AnnArbor.com Photo and on Twitter at @AnnArborPhoto.
Comments
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, May 4, 2011 : 5:31 p.m.
Yesterday ids history, has no bearing on today...............now its' back to league play, and OSU. Lets' hope the team comes out ready to 'take care of business'. Good luck ladies, don't take any prisioners!
Lac Court Orilles
Wed, May 4, 2011 : 10:47 a.m.
Eastern Michigan put an early scare into the Wolverines with a 2-0 lead, but Michigan's unintended "chopper" hits allowed runners to get to first before the ball could be fielded. I was happy to see an Eastern Michigan team that didn't just lay down and let the Wolverines walk all over them. These teams should play each other more often to save on travel costs! Cheer up Eagle girls, the boys in the stands thought you were the better looking team.
Jonathan Sobel
Wed, May 4, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
If these teams played more, that would mean the Eagles would have to face off against Michigan's 1-2 pitching combo instead of the 3-2 combo. Congrats to the Eagles for not giving up, but after the 3rd inning, this games never gave me the feeling of ever being in doubt, even with the tying run on in the 7th.
Frank99
Wed, May 4, 2011 : 1:59 p.m.
Actually the "chopper" hits are very much intended. It's part of every good slap hitter's arsenal and Michigan has feasted on such hits all year.