Wolverines Run-Rule Kent State in Home Opener

Thursday, March 14

Ann Arbor, Mich.

4:00 PM

Michigan

13-10

Kent State

6-12

Kent State

Michigan

Alex Sobczak

3/14/2019 8:23:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Leah Howard

» Michigan cruised to an 8-0, five-inning win against Kent State in its home opener.
» Faith Canfield and Alex Sobczak hit home runs in the first and second innings, respectively; Canfield went 3-for-3, while Sobczak posted three RBI.
» LHP Meghan Beaubien struck out two in a one-hit shutout from the circle.

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Wilpon Complex)
Scores: #25 Michigan 8, Kent State 0 (5 inn.)
Records: U-M (13-10), KSU (6-12)
Next U-M Event: Sunday, March 17 -- doubleheader vs. Kent State (Wilpon Complex), 1 p.m.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 25-ranked University of Michigan softball team used big hits and efficient pitching to cruise to an 8-0, five-inning decision against Kent State in its home opener on Thursday evening (March 14) at the Wilpon Complex, home of Alumni Field.

Senior second baseman Faith Canfield and senior first baseman Alex Sobczak knocked out home runs to headline the Wolverines' offense. Canfield went 3-for-3 in the game with a leadoff home run in the first inning, while Sobczak posted two hits, including a three-run shot in the second frame. Michigan combined for 11 hits -- its sixth game this season with double-digit hits.

Sophomore left-handed pitcher Meghan Beaubien (7-3) earned her fourth complete-game shutout from the circle, striking out two Golden Flash batters while allowing just one hit -- on a first-inning infield single that just beat the throw -- and no walks. Beaubien threw just 53 pitches through five innings.

Canfield set the tone in the Wolverines' first plate appearance, connecting with a 2-1 pitch and driving a solo home run off the flagpole beyond the left-field wall for her second long ball of the season. Michigan loaded the bases, and freshman left fielder Lexie Blair, who walked to reach base, scored on a subsequent wild pitch in the dirt.

Blair posted her first of two RBI on a sacrifice fly in the second inning before Sobczak hammered her three-run homer off the grandstand railing beyond right-center field -- her second long ball of the season.

Michigan scored one run apiece in the fourth and fifth innings to secure its first run-rule decision of the season. Blair drove in another run with a hard infield single that knocked back the Kent State second baseman and scored Canfield from second base with two outs in the fourth inning.

Junior Abby Skvarce ended the game with an RBI pinch hit in the fifth. Junior third baseman Madison Uden and freshman designated player Hannah Carson preceded her with a single to center and double to left-center to put two in scoring position. Skvarce sent a fly ball down the left-field line and off the wall to easily score Uden from third base for the eight-run margin.

Michigan (13-10) will wrap up the weekend series against Kent State on Sunday (March 17) with a 1 p.m. doubleheader at the Wilpon Complex, home of Alumni Field. Tickets are available through the U-M Ticket Office.