Michigan State University
Northwestern
Softball Swept By No. 8 Northwestern
4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 1, 2009
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
EVANSTON, Ill. - The eighth-ranked Northwestern Wildcats (19-7, 6-0 Big Ten) swept Michigan State (13-18, 0-5 Big Ten) in a doubleheader Wednesday afternoon at Drysdale Field. Sophomore Lindsey Hansen notched the Spartans only run in the first game off a home run to center field and freshman Lauren Kramer led MSU in the nightcap, going 2-for-3 at the plate and notching an RBI.
In game one, Northwestern struck first in the second inning, scoring one run off a single up the middle by Jordan Wheeler. The Wildcats added three more runs in the third and fourth innings to take a 7-0 lead.
Hansen opened the fifth inning with a solo home run to center field, her team-leading 10th of the season. With the homer, Hansen reached MSU's all-time home run list, tying for ninth with 11 in her career. Sophomore Jessica Bracamonte then doubled to right center and advanced to third on a wild pitch, but was left on base to end the inning.
The Wildcats added two runs in the fifth inning to take a 9-1 lead and end the game in five innings.
Freshman Lauren Kramer pitched for MSU, recording three strikeouts.
Northwestern started the second game with two runs in the first inning. MSU came back in the third, scoring one run on two hits. Hansen opened the inning with a double to left field, and Bracamonte reached on an error. Bracamonte was tagged out at second base on the play, while Hansen scored to cut Northwestern's lead to one run. Freshman Ali Grant then reached first on an error and sophomore Heidi Purtzer singled through the left side to advance Grant to third. A fielder's choice put sophomore Karen Fox on first and advanced Purtzer to third, while Grant was out at home plate. A ground out ended the inning, leaving two on base.
The Wildcats added a run in the second and three in the fourth inning to widen their lead.
Michigan State scored a run on three hits in the fifth, led by Kramer. Senior Kara Weigle notched a single to shortstop and freshman Lori Padilla singled to second base off a bunt, advancing Weigle. A single by Kramer sent Weigle across the plate with two outs, and a fly out ended the inning.
Northwestern registered two runs in the fifth and three in the sixth inning to end the game and remain perfect in Big Ten play.
Senior Megan Hair started in the circle for Michigan State and recorded three strikeouts in game two. Kramer faced the final three batters of the game, posting one strikeout.
The Spartans have the weekend off and return to action on Wednesday, April 8 when they host Purdue in a Big Ten doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m.
