Michigan State University
Buffalo
Softball Rallies in Extras to Top Buffalo, 3-2
3/12/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 12, 2011
BOCA RATON, Fla. - In its second extra-inning contest in as many games, the Michigan State softball team (12-10) narrowly edged Buffalo, 3-2, on Saturday, March 12 in Boca Raton, Fla.
With the score tied 3-3 after seven, a runner was placed at second due to the international tiebreaker rule with places a runner at second to start each half inning. Senior Lindsey Hansen knocked in the game winning run in the bottom of the eighth with a sacrifice fly to center to score sophomore Jenny Ramsaier and bring the score to 3-2.
The Bulls, however, were the first to strike when in the first inning Jessica Griffin doubled to right center to score Alyssa Ward, giving UB a 1-0 lead.
Junior Lauren Kramer tied the game at one run each in the bottom of the fourth when she doubled to right-center field to drive home sophomore Kylene Hopkins.
Buffalo stuck once more in the fifth with a double down the line in left by Ward to score Ashley Bertot. After stealing third, Ward wound up crossing home after an illegal pitch to give UB a 3-1 lead over the Spartans.
MSU tied it back up at three in the bottom of the sixth with a two run inning. Junior Brett Williams poked a triple to center field to score freshman Samantha Findling and Hansen from first and third, respectively.
Kramer was the pitcher of record for the Spartans, improving to 6-3 on the season in her 3.0 innings of work. Kramer allowed one hit with no runs against. Sophomore Shelby Wise threw a majority of the game, striking out three batters in 3.2 innings. Wise allowed two earned runs on three hits.
Holly Johnson took the loss for Buffalo and falls to 1-4 on the year. Johnson threw a complete game for the Bulls and allowed four runs, three earned, on three hits while striking out four batters.
The Spartans close out action at the Florida Atlantic Parents' Weekend Tournament in Boca Raton, Fla., tomorrow (March 13) against Rutgers and host FAU. Action begins at 11 a.m. against the Scarlet Knights before taking on the Owls at 1 p.m.
