Michigan State University
Indiana
Softball Edged by Indiana 4-2
5/11/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 11, 2012
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State softball team played host Indiana in the first of three games on Friday (May 11) at Secchia Stadium in East Lansing, Mich. The Spartans played well in all three phases of the game, but couldn't overcome the deficit and fell to the Hoosiers 4-2. Senior Ali Grant led the offensive charge for MSU, posting doubles in all three of her at-bats.
"I give Indiana a lot of credit, but we out hit them and we played great defense, we just couldn't catch a break today," said head coach Jacquie Joseph. "We played very well today and that will give us confidence going into tomorrow."
The Spartans were the first to get on the scoreboard, recording one run in the first inning. Junior Kylene Hopkins kicked off the offense with a single to left field and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by senior Lori Padilla. Two runners were on when sophomore Sarah Bowling battled from a 1-2 count to draw a walk and a single to left field by redshirt freshman Stephanie Sanders brought Hopkins home.
Indiana responded with three consecutive one-run innings, but MSU came within one with another run in the bottom of the fourth. Grant led off the inning and knocked her second double of the day to right center. Next up was junior Jenny Ramsaier, who beat out a bunt to reach first and then advanced to second on the throw. Grant reached third on the play but was out at home off a fielder's choice in the next at-bat. With Ramsaier on third, Padilla singled to left field, earning an RBI as Ramsaier crossed home plate.
The game went scoreless until Indiana extended their lead to two with a fourth run in the top of the seventh. The Spartans couldn't capitalize in their last offensive opportunity and lost to a final score of 4-2.
Michigan State tallied nine hits on the day, the most since they recorded 10 against Penn State on April 8th. Leading the Spartans at the plate was Grant who notched three doubles in as many at-bats.
Sophomore Cassee Layne was the starter for MSU and was in the circle for her fifth complete game of the season. The right-hander struck out five batters, including IU's No.1 hitter in all three of her at-bats. Layne's five Ks are the most she's recorded since striking out five against Central Michigan (April 4). The MSU defense provided another perfect performance behind the pitching staff, posting its 12th no-error outing.
The Spartans will close out the 2012 regular season with a doubleheader against Indiana tomorrow (May 12). The action begins at 3 p.m. ET and continues at 5 p.m. and will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network. Tomorrow marks Senior Day for MSU as the five Spartan seniors will be honored for their accomplishments prior to the start of first game.
