Michigan State University
Appalachian State
MSU Softball Edges Appalachian State
3/24/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 24, 2002
ATLANTA, Ga. - The Michigan State softball team defeated Appalachian State, 4-3 in eight innings, today in Atlanta to improve MSU's record to 11-18 and give MSU head coach Jacquie Joseph her 400th career coaching victory. Joseph now has a 14-year record of 400-364, including a 264-231 record in nine years at Michigan State.
Sandy Lewis (Jr., Empire/Glen Lake) collected two hits, two stolen bases, scored a run and drove one in to lead the Spartans. Lewis singled in Angel Merren (So., Wayland/Wayland Union) with one out in the top of the eighth to give MSU a 3-2 lead. A two-out double by Robyn Golden (Jr., Belleville/Belleville) plated Lewis, and the Spartans held on to win after allowing a run in the bottom of the eighth.
The Spartans started well, scoring a run in the top of the first after Margaret Schick (Jr., Grass Lake/Chelsea) singled, stole second and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Natalie Furrow (So., San Diego, Calif./Mills E. Godwin).
MSU made it 2-0 in the fourth when Furrow led off with a single, leading to pinch-runner Amanda Melton (Sr., Saugus, Calif./Saugus Furrow) scoring on a two-out double by Lacy Hauxhurst (Jr., Westminster, Calif./Westminster).
The Spartans held that lead into the bottom of the seventh, but with one out MSU pitcher Becky Gray (Sr., Burr Oak/Burr Oak) hit a batter then allowed a two-run home run to tie the game, leading to the extra inning.
Gray pitched the final five innings to pick up the victory and improve to 6-8. Gray allowed only three hits and one walk while striking out 10 batters. Jessica Beech (So., Okemos/Okemos) started and pitched three strong innings, allowing only one hit while striking out five and walking none.
Michigan State outhit Appalachian State, 8-4, and only two Spartan batters fanned during the game compared to 15 Mountaineers.
Golden's double in the eighth extended her hitting streak to nine games. Golden was also named to the Buzz Classic All-Tournament team after hitting .455 over four games Friday and Saturday, while blasting three home runs.
Michigan State will open the Big Ten season and its home schedule when the Spartans host Ohio State and Penn State next weekend. The Spartans and Buckeyes will play single games on Friday and Saturday, at 3 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively, while Penn State will visit East Lansing for a Sunday doubleheader beginning at Noon.
Game Summary: R H EMSU 100 100 02- 4 8 1APP 000 000 21- 3 4 2
WP: Gray-MSU (6-8)LP: Arnold-Appalachian State
