2001 Big Ten Softball Tournament -- Game 6
5/11/2001 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Alumni Field, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Friday, May 11 -- Noon -- Game 6
Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Alumni Field)
Event: 2001 Big Ten Softball Tournament (Game 6)
Result: Penn State 5, Ohio State 4
Records: PSU (32-25), OSU (46-18)
Next PSU Game: Friday, May 11 -- vs. Illinois, 5 p.m.
Next OSU Game: OSU eliminated from tournament with 0-2 record
Penn State Eliminates Ohio State from Big Ten Tourney
Boxscore
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The Penn State University softball team advanced in the Big Ten Softball Tournament Friday (May 11) at Alumni Field, posting a 5-4 victory against Ohio State as Marisa Hanson got her 11th victory of the season. The Nittany Lions (32-25) scored three runs on two errors in the fifth inning to advance to tonight's 5 p.m. matchup against Illinois.
Hanson pitched an outstanding game for the Nittany Lions after replacing Kelly McCann early in the first inning. Ohio State scored early as Wendy Allen was walked in after she and Jennifer Link started off the batting order with singles. Hanson allowed just three runs on seven hits while walking three batters and striking out two.
Penn State didn't get on the board until the third inning when Karen Gulini advanced to second on a throwing error by OSU. Jennifer Tripken then had an RBI single to centerfield to tie the game. The Nittany Lions managed another run on three hits from Erin Norton, Adrienne Manzo and Colleen Kersey in the fourth to take the lead 2-1.
Ohio State struggled at the plate and on defense in the fifth inning, giving up three more runs on four hits while making two errors. Tripken recorded her second single of the game to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a fielding error. She then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Kelly Galigher and scored on a wild pitch by reliever Katie Chain. Allison Medellin also singled and advanced to third on a double by Megan Humphrey. OSU commited another error in the field and Medellin scored while Humphrey advanced to third. Jenny Briz then singled, scoring Humphrey, but the Buckeyes got out of the inning without any further damage.
In the sixth inning the Buckeyes battled back as they scored three runs on four hits, including Kristine Himes' home run over the centerfield bleachers. With two runners in scoring position and the score 5-4, Hanson caught Wendy Allen looking to end the inning.
In the bottom of the seventh the Buckeyes had one runner on and the winning run at the plate, but Penn State turned a routine 6-3 putout to end the game.
Penn State's win over Ohio State advances the Nittany Lions to Friday's 5 p.m. elimination game against Illinois. Ohio State has been eliminated from the Big Ten Tournament with an 0-2 record.
Q U O T E S
Penn State Head Coach Robin Pitrini
On the game ... "This is a great win. Marisa Hanson pitched outstanding. We went to her immediately after Kelly McCann got into a bit of trouble. We were able to turn a double play, but unfortunately gave up a run. The team fought back though and we had great offense, clutch hitting and good baserunning. We took advantage of all their mistakes and had big time defensive plays. It was a great team win."
Ohio State Head Coach Lynda Kalafatis
On the game ... "I thought our team showed a lot of character to come back and put ourselves in a position to win. It's strange because we scored a run in the first tinning of both of our losses. The only explanation is that I feel we have a young team and we didn't play loose like we have all season."
