Minnesota's Home Runs Boost Gophers Past Spartans, 2-0

March 28, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State softball (14-14, 0-1) dropped its 2008 home opener to Big Ten rival Minnesota (18-8, 1-0) on Friday afternoon, as the Gophers picked up the 2-0 victory with a pair of solo home runs. Senior outfielder Nikki Nicosia belted out a team-high two hits, while Bianca Mejia and Jessica Bracamonte also tallied hits in the loss.

"I'm disappointed in our play today," said head coach Jacquie Joseph. "You aren't going to win the game with just four hits. But not to take credit away from Minnesota, they hit well, pitched well and played defense well."

The Spartans held off Minnesota's offensive attack through four innings, and despite two defensive errors, MSU looked to have the advantage over the Golden Gophers from the grass. MSU's senior catcher Caitlin Mahoney threw out two Gophers attempting to steal second, helping to keep UM runners out of scoring position.

But in the top of the fifth with two outs, Minnesota's Malisa Barnes sent a rocket over the centerfield fence for her 14th home run of the season. And in the top of the sixth, Casey Wheeler hit her eighth dinger of the year, another solo shot, as the Gophers took the 2-0 lead, a margin that would hold out as the final.

Michigan State fought back in the bottom of the seventh, as Bracamonte singled to center, then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jessica LeFevre reached first on an error by Minnesota pitcher Briana Hassett, as Bracamonte went on to third, but a grounder to second resulted in the final out as Minnesota clinched the conference opener.

The Spartans and Gophers will face off again in the series finale Saturday, March 29 at 12 p.m. at Old College Field. Live stats will be provided at www.msuspartans.com.