Michigan State University
UNC-Wilmington
Softball Posts 6-4 Win Over UNC-Wilmington
3/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 11, 2009
WILMINGTON, N.C. - The Michigan State softball team (9-10) snapped a three-game losing streak, posting a 6-4 win over UNC-Wilmington on Wednesday at Boseman Field. Sophomore Heidi Purtzer led the team with two RBIs, while freshman Lauren Kramer went 2-for-3 at the plate and recorded the win in the circle.
The Spartan leadoff batter, sophomore Jessica Bracamonte, starting the game by reaching on an error and went to second on the throw. Senior Kara Weigle then singled up the middle to advance Bracamonte to third and followed by stealing second. Freshman Lauren Kramer, batting cleanup, drew a walk to load the bases. Senior Gina Mondo then singled to left field and went to second on the throw, scoring Bracamonte. Kramer advanced to third on the play, while Weigle was tagged out before crossing the plate. Sophomore Heidi Purtzer continued MSU's success, hitting a double down the left-field line, sending Kramer and Mondo across the plate for an early 3-0 lead.
UNC-Wilmington recorded two hits in the first, but were unable to score. Senior Megan Hair, the Spartans starting pitcher, held the Seahawks scoreless in the second to maintain the lead.
The Seahawks broke onto the scoreboard in the third inning with a three-run home run by Carley Hughes to tie the game. Kramer entered the game for MSU after, recording two outs to end the inning, including a groundout to first with runners on second and third to get out of the jam.
MSU fought back in the fourth inning, recording two runs on three hits. Purtzer opened the inning with a single to right center and advanced to third on the throw, while freshman Ali Grant followed up with a single. Both players advanced a base after a passed ball, and an error by the catcher allowed Purtzer to score and Grant to move to third. Freshman Lori Padilla then reached on a fielder's choice, sending Grant home for a 5-3 lead.
Kramer kept UNC-Wilmington scoreless through the fourth and fifth, and the Spartans added another run in the sixth to extend the lead. Grant reached on an error to open the sixth, and a single by Weigle sent Grant across home plate.
The Seahawks added a run in the sixth to cut MSU's lead to 6-4 after Ashley Shingleton singled up the middle and a hit by Hughes sent Shingleton home. Kramer recorded a groundout to end the inning and retired all three UNC-Wilmington batters in the seventh to wrap-up her third win of the season.
MSU travels to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for the Coastal Carolina Tournament Friday and Saturday. The Spartans open play against North Carolina on Friday at 11 a.m.
