Wolverines Capitalize on Free Bases, Miscues to Run Rule Maryland

Saturday, April 21

Ann Arbor, Mich.

2:00 PM

Michigan

37-7, 12-1

Maryland

18-29, 7-9

Maryland

Michigan

Wolverines Capitalize on Free Bases, Miscues to Run Rule Maryland

4/21/2018 5:33:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Leah Howard

» No. 14 Michigan scored at least two runs in every inning to beat Maryland, 12-1, in five innings.
» Five Wolverines posted multi-hit games. Natalie Peters registered two hits and four RBI, including a bases-clearing triple, and Katie Alexander homered in a two-hit effort.
» Tera Blanco (9-2) allowed one run on four hits and no walks through four innings.

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Wilpon Complex)
Scores: #14 Michigan 12, Maryland 1 (5 innings)
Records: U-M (37-7, 12-1 B1G), UMD (18-29, 7-9 B1G)
Next U-M Event: Sunday, April 22 -- vs. Maryland (Wilpon Complex), 12:30 p.m.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 14-ranked University of Michigan softball team scored in a multitude of ways -- off errors, extra-base hits and small ball -- to cruise to a 12-1, five-inning decision against Maryland on Saturday afternoon (April 21) in front of a season-high crowd of 2,181 at the Wilpon Complex, home of Alumni Field.

The Wolverines scored at least two runs in each of their four turns at the plate, including a six spot in the third inning. Junior center fielder Natalie Peters led U-M with two hits and four runs batted in -- the bulk on a bases-clearing triple -- while sophomore third baseman Madison Uden tallied two hits and two RBI and junior catcher Katie Alexander knocked out a solo home run as part of a two-hit effort.

Uden drove in the first and winning runs in the bottom of the first, following two walks and a throwing error with a two-run single to center field. Michigan also took advantage of throwing errors in the second inning when freshman shortstop Natalia Rodriguez reached on a bunt single, advanced on one throwing error and scored on another. Two batters later, junior second baseman Faith Canfield also scored on a throwing error off a fielder's choice and attempted double play; Canfield scored three runs in the contest.

Alexander opened up U-M's six-run surge in the third with a one-out solo shot into the grandstand beyond right-center field for her third long ball of the year. The Wolverines loaded the bases and scored in three consecutive at-bats, on Canfield's walk, Peters' bases-clearing triple -- her first this season -- on a ball to the right-center gap, and an RBI groundout.

Michigan added another on a bases-loaded walk and another Peters base hit, an RBI single to left field.

Senior right-handed pitcher Tera Blanco (9-2) allowed one run on four hits, including a second-inning solo homer, and no walks. She struck out four Terp batters through four innings pitched.

Michigan (37-7, 12-1 Big Ten) will wrap up its weekend series with Maryland at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday, April 22) at Alumni Field. The game has an adjusted time -- 30 minutes earlier -- from its originally scheduled start time due to the Terps' travel schedule. Tickets are still available through the U-M Ticket Office.