The Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-9, 0-0 B1G) took a 3-1 lead in the first inning and never surrendered the advantage on the way to a 5-4 win over Long Beach State Beach (5-7, 0-0 Big West) on Sunday.
Sophomore Jessa Snippes (1-1) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Minnesota. The right-hander went three shutout innings while giving up two hits, allowing no walks and striking out one.
At the plate, the Gophers were led by senior Taylor Krapf, who went 1-for-4 on the day with a home run and two RBI. Senior Margaret Tobias put together a standout performance at the dish as well, going 3-for-4. Junior Breezy Burnett also helped out for Minnesota, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding a triple.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 1-0, the Gophers first put runs on the board in the first inning. Minnesota scored three runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-run homer from Krapf.
The ‘U’ then held the Beach scoreless before expanding their lead in the fifth inning. Minnesota brought home a pair, with one run driven in by Tobias’ single, which brought the Gophers lead to 5-1. Long Beach State put three runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Minnesota still held on for the 5-4 win.
GAME NOTES
» Tobias compiled three hits in the game for Minnesota.
» Minnesota’s highest scoring inning was the first, when it pushed three runs across.
» Minnesota grabbed a 3-1 lead in the bottom half of the first and didn’t surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
» The Gophers out-hit the Beach at an 11-8 clip.
» Minnesota went 4-for-10 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
» Minnesota pitchers faced 33 Long Beach State hitters in the game, allowing 11 ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out two.
» Krapf led the Gophers at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
» Long Beach State was led offensively by sophomore Brooklyn Lee, who went 3-for-4 with two RBI.
» Sophomore Kate Barnett led the Beach pitching staff, throwing six innings of five-run ball.
UP NEXT
The ‘U’ will be back in action this week in the Gopher Indoor Classic being held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Don’t miss a chance to see your Gopher Softball team in action at home. They will take on North Dakota State, Miami (OH), Wagner, and St. Thomas during the Indoor Classic. Ticket and schedule information can be found at gophersports.com.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
(photo credit – Brad Rempel)
