Michigan State University
No. 4 Tennessee
Softball Falters Against No. 4 Tennessee, Falls 14-0
2/13/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 13, 2011
DELAND, Fla. - The Michigan State softball team (3-2) closed out its opening weekend at the Stetson Lead-off Classic on Sunday, Feb. 13 with a 14-0 loss to No. 4 Tennessee in DeLand, Fla.
The Lady Vols struck early and often in the first inning to open the game with nine runs on seven hits, putting the Spartans into a hole early on.
Senior Jessica Bracamonte started the bottom half of the first on a strong note with an infield single. However, the Spartans were unable to manufacture any other hits, leaving Bracamonte stranded at first.
Tennessee managed to drive in three additional runs in the third and two more in the fifth inning to put the game at 14-0.
In the bottom of the third, MSU once again had a leadoff single, this time by junior Lori Padilla. After the next two Spartans went down consecutively, Padilla stole second before senior Lindsey Hansen drew a walk to put runners on first and second. The next batter flied out to center to leave both Padilla and Hansen on base.
Sophomore Jenny Ramsaier posted the other Spartan hit in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs, Ramsaier ripped a single to left field prior to the inning ending on a grounder to third.
Ellen Renfroe (2-0) earned the win for Tennessee, striking out six batters while allowing only three hits.
Junior Lauren Kramer (2-1) earned her first loss of the season for MSU. Kramer allowed 12 earned runs and struck out three batters faced. Sophomore Shelby Wise pitched 2.2 innings for the Spartans and struck out three and allowed two earned runs.
Action continues for MSU next weekend (Feb. 18-20) when it travels to Ft. Meyers, Fla., for the Homewood Suites/Hilton Garden Inn FGCU Tournament hosted by Florida Gulf Coast. The Spartans are set to face Saint Louis, host FGCU, Georgetown, Villanova and South Carolina.
