Michigan State University
Florida
Softball Falls to No. 1 UF
2/18/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 18, 2012
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The second game of a three-game series between the Michigan State and Florida softball teams ended in an 11-1 loss for the Spartans. MSU notched the first run of the season against UF's Alyssa Bache and only the fifth total against the Gators.
Florida started the game with bats swinging, posting a four-run first inning. Sami Fagan singled up the middle, stole second then advanced to third on a fly ball. A single by Lauren Haeger allowed Fagan to reach home safely. Later in the inning, bases were loaded when another fly ball scored the second run for the Gators. The next batter hit a single into left field allowing the runner on third to reach home.
UF increased the lead by two more in the bottom of the second when a series of singles, then finished the game with a five run fourth inning. With a runner on second in the fourth, Haeger sent a homer into center field, earning two RBIs. A follow-up homerun by Brittany Schutte put the Gators up 7-0. The bases loaded on a fielding error by the Spartan shortstop then a fielder's choice advanced the runner on third to score. A single by Fagan earned the final run for Florida.
The Spartan offense broke through in fifth inning. Senior Melanie Bensema pinch hit for senior Rebecca Rogers and reached first base after being hit by a pitch. Sophomore Sarah Bowling, who pinch hit for freshman Alyssa McBride, singled to left field. The hit advanced freshman Kelsey Cleary, who pinch ran for Bensema, to second base and into scoring position. Redshirt freshman Stephanie Sanders pinch hit for junior Jenny Ramsaier and singled to right field, allowing Cleary to score and McBride to advance to third. Michigan State scored only the fifth run of the season against UF.
Rogers began the game on the mound, but was replaced by freshman Carly Nielsen in the second inning. Junior Shelby Wise came in to pitch for the final inning of the game. In total, the Spartan pitching staff faced 29 batters and allowed 13 hits.
Michigan State and Florida will conclude their three-game stand tomorrow (Feb. 18) at 1 p.m. (ET) in Gainesville, Fla.
