Softball Blanked by N.C. State, 4-0

Feb. 21, 2010

TAMPA, Fla. - The Michigan State softball team (3-6) closed out action at the La Quinta Inn and Suites Tournament on Sunday, Feb. 21, when it faced North Carolina State. The Wolfpack (6-4) used a four-run fifth inning to down the Spartans by a score of 4-0.

Lindsay Campana (4-1) earned the win for the Wolfpack, while sophomore Lauren Kramer (2-4) took the loss for MSU. Kramer, who went 4.2 innings, recorded four strikeouts and allowed four earned runs. Senior Kelly Confer finished the game for the Spartans as she only allowed one hit in 1.1 innings of work.

After four scoreless innings, N.C. State found its way on the board when Claudia Cooper was hit by a Kramer pitch, scoring Krystal Hawkins from third, who was pinch running for Breanna Andrews. The next batter up, Stephanie Call, brought the game to a 3-0 lead when she ripped a single to left field to score Alyssa Albritten and Lanson Warren. Following that pitch, Confer replaced Kramer on the rubber. With Bridget Desbois at the plate, Confer threw a wild pitch to bring in the final run for the Wolfpack, scoring Samantha Melton, who was running for Cooper.

The Spartans looked to manufacture runs in the bottom of the sixth when Williams was at the plate with juniors Lindsey Hansen at second and Jessica Bracamonte on first. However, Williams was unable to put the ball in play as she grounded out to third, ending the inning with two runners left on base.

Sophomore Brett Williams led all Spartan hitters by going 2-for-3.

MSU is back in action when it travels to Cal State Northridge on Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 27-28). The Spartans' doubleheader against the Matadors on Saturday is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET, while Sunday's single game is slated to begin at 3 p.m. ET.