Wolverines Bounce Back with Run-Rule Win at MSU

Wednesday, May 2

East Lansing, Mich.

4:00 PM

Michigan

41-9, 16-2

Michigan State

21-25, 7-12

Michigan

Michigan State

5/2/2018 6:57:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Highlights

By: Leah Howard

» No. 14 Michigan scored three runs in the fourth and five in the fifth to earn an 8-0, five-inning decision at in-state rival Michigan State.
» Katie Alexander scored two runs and drove in two -- on a fifth-inning triple. Haley Hoogenraad and Madison Uden also posted two RBI apiece, while Natalie Peters had two hits and two runs.
» LHP Meghan Beaubien (30-3) struck out seven in a two-hit shutout; only one MSU runner reached scoring position in the game.

Site: East Lansing, Mich. (Secchia Stadium)
Score: #14 Michigan 8, Michigan 0 (5 inn.)
Records: U-M (41-9, 16-2 Big Ten), MSU (21-25, 7-12 Big Ten)
Next U-M Event: Friday, May 4 -- vs. Ohio State (Wilpon Complex), 6 p.m.

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The No. 14-ranked University of Michigan softball team rebounded from its midweek loss with a decisive win the next night, defeating in-state rival Michigan State, 8-0, in five innings on Wednesday (May 2) at the Spartans' Secchia Stadium.

After three scoreless innings, the Wolverines offense rolled, scoring eight runs across the fourth and fifth frames to earn their run-rule margin. Sophomore left fielder Haley Hoogenraad, sophomore third baseman Madison Uden and junior catcher Katie Alexander all pushed across multiple runs, while junior center fielder Natalie Peters continued her recent tear with two hits and two runs scored.

Freshman left-handed pitcher Meghan Beaubien (30-3) was outstanding from the circle, striking out seven while allowing just two base hits and a walk. MSU reached scoring position just once -- after a single and a walk with no outs in the fifth -- but Beaubien closed out the game with back-to-back strikeouts and a first-pitch fielder's choice.

Peters initiated the Wolverines' scoring surge with a leadoff single in the fourth inning, and after a double and a walk loaded the bases, Hoogenraad pushed across the first and game-winning runs on a two-run roped single through the right side. Sophomore designated player Thais Gonzalez plated one more when she beat out an infield single to the 5-6 hole on the next pitch.

After a 1-2-3 bottom of the fourth, the Wolverines carried the momentum into the next inning, plating five to break the game open. U-M promptly loaded the bases again with no outs for Uden, who knocked a two-run single into shallow left field -- nearly caught in what would have been a spectacular diving play. Alexander followed with a two-run triple to the right-center field wall -- her second three-bagger of the season -- and was awarded home after the errant throw to third went into the Wolverines' dugout.

Michigan (41-9, 16-2 Big Ten) will wrap up the regular season at home this weekend, hosting rival Ohio State for a three-game set at the Wilpon Complex, home of Alumni Field. The series kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday (May 4).