Michigan State University
Oakland
Spartans Sweep Non-Conference Doubleheader At Oakland
4/24/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 24, 2007
ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Michigan State softball team swept Oakland University in a non-conference doubleheader at the OU Softball Complex on Tuesday. MSU won by scores of 9-0 and 10-1 (6). State tallied 27 hits combined in the two-game set to improve to 26-23 for the year, while Oakland falls to 14-24.
Junior Lesley Noel started in the circle for the Spartans, allowing two hits in two innings of work, while senior hurler Rachel Turney (7-9) allowed one hit in three innings of relief to earn the victory. Sophomore Megan Hair also tossed two innings of hitless relief for the Green and White.
Grizzlie pitcher Jessica Granger (12-11) tossed a complete game, allowing 13 hits and eight earned runs in the loss.
Michigan State tallied eight extra-base hits in game one, led by shortstop Meghan Darhower with a 2-for-4 effort at the plate, including a two-run home run. Catcher Kara Weigle and outfielders Traci Nicosia and Nicole Mercado each contributed two hits, while first baseman Dayna Feenstra scored two runs for the Spartans.
State used a five-run first inning to pull away from the Grizzlies early in game one. Traci Nicosia tallied an RBI triple, and Mahoney followed with an RBI double for a 2-0 Spartan lead. Gina Mondo and Mercado delivered back-to-back RBI singles before an error in the Oakland infield gave State the 5-0 advantage.
The Spartans scored two runs in the sixth, and Darhower delivered a two-run long ball in the seventh for the deciding 9-0 upperhand. Darhower's home run was her sixth of the season, and fourth in the last five games.
State tallied nine runs on 13 hits, committing one error, while Oakland managed three hits and tallied two miscues in the field.
Noel also made the start in the circle in game two. She allowed just three hits in three innings of work, while Turney improved to 8-9 for the year, contributing three innings of scoreless relief.
Grizzlie starter Sarah Clark allowed 11 hits and seven earned runs in four innings of work, falling to 0-4 for the year. Lindsey Frederick allowed three hits and two runs in two innings of relief.
Nikki Nicosia and Mondo each turned in a 3-for-4 effort at the plate, while Mahoney contributed two hits, three runs and three RBI. Feenstra added her sixth home run of the season in the victory.
In game two, Michigan State used a five-run fourth inning to pull away from the Grizzlies in the 10-1 victory. State led 3-1 heading into the frame, and took advantage of a two-run double by Mahoney and two-run long ball by Feenstra. Oakland also committed one error in the inning.
Mahoney added an RBI triple in the top of the sixth, and scored on a wild pitch by Frederick for the deciding 10-1 spread.
MSU tallied 10 runs on 14 hits, while Oakland managed one run on three hits, committing two errors in the field.
Michigan State hosts Central Michigan on Wednesday at Old College Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
