Michigan softball team sweeps doubleheader at Penn State
Taking the field for the first time as the nation's top-ranked team, the Michigan softball team picked up a pair of 5-4 wins in a Big Ten doubleheader sweep of Penn State on Wednesday night.
The Wolverines' Amanda Chidester went 5-for-8 in the doubleheader played at Penn State's Beard Field, including a game-winning home run in the top of the seventh inning of the opener.
Penn State's Kailyn Johnson drove in six runs on the night, including a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning of the second game.
According to GoPSUSports.com, replays showed Johnson's home run should have been a game-tying, three-run blast -- but the Nittany Lions' Cassidy Bell was called out at first base two batters earlier.
Jordan Taylor won the first game for Michigan (41-3, 9-1 Big Ten) and picked up a save in relief of Stephanie Speierman in the second.
Leadoff hitter Bree Evans went 4-for-8 with two RBIs for the Wolverines, which remain one game ahead of second-place Indiana (8-2) in the Big Ten standings. Third-place Iowa (7-3) visits Alumni Field this weekend for games on Saturday (6 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.).
Comments
james Kurtz
Thu, Apr 21, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
Having watched the twin bill against PS, I am convinced that UM has the best P in the country as well as the best 3,4 5 hitters in the country. if they stay healthy they could go all the way.
Lorain Steelmen
Thu, Apr 21, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.
Before we all get too upset, I would submit that this team, has just won, ALL FOUR road games, during the end of classes, and the prelude to exams. Oh sure, we COULD have had four no hitters, and we COULD have mercied each of the games. C'mon, this is a YOUNG team, growing up, right in front of us! Enjoy it! Now, they also have to deal with this ridiculous no.1 ranking, as well. PSU had it's opportunities to win, as did Illinois, but they could NOT get it done. Meanwhile, UM finds a way to pull TOGETHER as a TEAM, and I like that! IF Hutch can keep them 'grounded', ie, focused, and convince them to stay 'in the monent' ,'one pitch at a time', then they can accomplish a great deal....AND...have a lot of fun along the way! Shaw is struggling right now, but I believe she WILL play a big roll going forward, and I also think that Jordon, WILL 'gather strength' as the season progresses. Sher's a competitor, and I like that! I am hoping that our young, supporting players, Doyle, Knapp, Lane, Ryan, Blanchard, and Sappingfield will 'dare to win', the rest of the way, and contribute to another league title, and, a DEEP NCAA run. Good luck against the Hawkeyes ladies! GOOOOOOO Blue!
GoBlue2009
Thu, Apr 21, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
I watched both games on TV yesterday. I don't think our pitching should've struggled that much against a mediocre Big Ten program; we gave up way too many runs, but at least we got the win. Congrats on the #1 ranking, ladies! Go Blue!