Putz Helps Power Michigan to Run-Rule Win Over Maryland to Open B1G Play

Thursday, March 20

Oklahoma City, Okla.

6:30 PM CT

Michigan

21-8, 1-0

Maryland

13-13, 2-2

Michigan

Maryland

Lauren Putz (Michigan Photography)

Putz Helps Power Michigan to Run-Rule Win Over Maryland to Open B1G Play

3/20/2025 11:07:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Leah Howard

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Freshman Lauren Putz collected a pair of hits -- including the last of a three-home-run U-M second inning -- and four RBI to help the University of Michigan softball team to an 8-0, five-inning win over Maryland on Thursday (March 20) in its Big Ten-opening game at Devon Park.

The Wolverines started the scoring with a one-out double to center field by Putz, scoring sophomore Jenissa Conway and junior Indiana Langford.

Junior Maddie Erickson opened up Michigan's five-run second with a solo blast. With two outs, Conway sent a two-run shot -- her seventh of the season -- to dead center field, the ball just missing the outstretched glove of the Maryland center fielder, to extend the Wolverine lead to 5-0. Sophomore Ella Stephenson followed with a single, and Putz sent a ball just feet farther than Conway's for Michigan's third home run of the frame. The round-tripper was Putz's ninth of the year.

The Wolverines (21-8, 1-0 Big Ten) went quietly in the third, but in the fourth, Langford singled to shortstop, stole second, and reached third on a wild pitch. A dribbler from Stephenson scored Langford on a close play at the plate -- a call upheld by video review.

Right-handed pitcher Lauren Derkowski (8-5) earned the win after tossing her fourth shutout of the season. She struck out four in five scoreless frames to lower her season earned-run-average to 1.18.

Michigan will take on Maryland (13-13, 0-1 Big Ten) again on Friday (March 21) at Devon Park in search of a sweep of the Terrapins. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT, and the game will be streamed live on B1G+.