The Minnesota Golden Gophers (12-13, 1-0 B1G) broke through after a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning to defeat the Michigan State Spartans (7-10, 0-1 B1G) 6-5 Thursday.
Freshman Natalie Susa (1-0) got the win out of the bullpen for Minnesota. The right-hander went three innings, giving up three runs, all of them earned, on four hits.
In the batter’s box, the Gophers were paced by senior Nani Valencia, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a walk and two RBI. Senior Taylor Krapf put together a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 1-for-2 with a double and two walks. Senior Margaret Tobias also helped out for Minnesota, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gophers were trailing 2-0 in the fifth inning when they first put runs on the board. Valencia drove in two runs for Minnesota with a single that scored Freshman Jae Cosgriff and Junior Breezy Burnett.
The Spartans then scored one run to retake their advantage heading into the sixth inning, when the Maroon and Gold responded by getting back on the scoreboard themselves. The Minnesota offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a one-run single off the bat of Freshman Tinley Easton, which brought the Gophers lead to 6-3. Michigan State put two runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Minnesota still held on for the 6-5 win.
GAME NOTES
» Minnesota’s highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed four runs across.
» Minnesota went 5-for-12 (.417) with runners in scoring position.
» Minnesota pitchers faced 32 Michigan State hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and five fly balls while striking out four.
» Valencia led the ‘U’ at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
» Michigan State was led offensively by junior B. Beshears, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and an RBI.
UP NEXT
The ‘U’ will be back in action on Friday in Oklahoma City, OK. They will take on Michigan State for a second time beginning at 4:00 PM at Devon Park.
(info and stock photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
