Michigan State University
Florida International
Softball Defeats FIU
2/11/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 11, 2012
MIAMI - A late start didn't mean sleepy bats as Michigan State defeated Florida International 8-2 at 11 p.m. on Friday (Feb. 10). MSU (1-1) played its second game of the Combat Classic after multiple rain delays postponed the matchup for more than three hours.
The Spartans and the Panthers played three scoreless innings until FIU jumped on the board in the fourth inning. Two walked batters and an error on the Spartan catcher put runners on first and third, then Kayla Burri's single to third base put the Panthers up 1-0. Next at bat was Rachael Slowik, who posted a single into left field, with all runners advancing on the throw and Shel Graves reaching home for a 2-0 lead.
Michigan State responded offensively in the top of the fifth with five runs on four hits. With the bases loaded, junior Kylene Hopkins singled into left field, advanced to second on the throw and earned two RBIs as freshmen Alyssa McBride and McKinzie Freimuth scored on the play. Next up was senior Ali Grant who singled then advanced on the throw, sending Hopkins and senior Lori Padilla home. Senior Brett Williams grounded out to the shortstop, but advanced Grant to third base. Junior Jayme O'Bryantreached first base on a throwing error by the Panther shortstop, sending Grant home and putting MSU up 5-2 over FIU.
Ramsaier led the Spartans on offense in the sixth inning with a home run into left field. It was the second baseman's second longball of her career. Later in the inning, McBride was walked, advanced to second on a single by Padilla, and reached third on a throwing error then stole home to increase the Spartan lead to five runs. Michigan State sealed the win with a triple from Grant, who advanced Padilla home and notched an 8-2 lead.
Cassee Layne was the Spartan pitcher for four innings. The sophomore faced 20 batters and notched three strikeouts. Florida International posted two runs off Layne, but none of which were earned. Carly Nielsenreplaced Layne in the fifth inning and was on the mound for the remainder of the game. The freshman threw for three innings without giving up a run while facing 11 batters. Layned earned the win while Nielsen tabbed the save.
The Michigan State defense stayed calm behind the Spartan pitching staff, only committing one error on the night.
The Spartans will play their third and fourth games of the Combat Classic tomorrow (Feb. 11) when they take on Massachusetts and Illinois at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
