Betsa, Christner Combine to Crush NC State
The softball team was back in action tonight, but didn't play for all that long. The Wolverines hamblasted the NC State Wolfpack 12 -0 in a 5 inning, run-rule decision. Betsa led the way in the circle, striking out 9 in 4 innings of work, ceding just one hit and no runs before handing things off to sophomore Leah Crockett in the fifth.
Betsa's first-rate pitching was overshadowed, however, by a performance for the ages at the dish by Kelly Christner. Christner turned a 4-run lead into a blow-out in the 2nd inning with a grand slam, and that was just the beginning. Christner came back with a solo shot in the 4th and a 2-run blast in the fifth to make it three long balls on the day. The three homers tie a program single-game record, as Christner becomes the first Wolverine since Dorian Shaw to manage the feat.
Michigan will get an early start tomorrow, facing Notre Dame at 10 AM, followed by a 3 PM rematch with this same NCSU squad.
February 17th, 2017 at 7:12 PM ^
Christner: 3-3, 3 HR, 7 RBI
not a bad day.
February 17th, 2017 at 7:32 PM ^
I'm guessing her grand slam in the 2nd was her second at bat. Meaning she batted at least 4 times.
February 17th, 2017 at 8:03 PM ^
I'm not 100% positive, but from the team's twitter account, it looks like she walked & scored following a Montemarano home run. So 3 hits in 3 at-bats, and a walk & run on the 4th plate appearance.
February 17th, 2017 at 7:33 PM ^
Christner is only the 4th Wolverine ever to hit 3 HRs in a game. The other 3 are Dorian Shaw as mentioned, Sam Findlay and Nicole Motyka.
Quite a great showing. Blasted them early on. Game was over after the 2nd inning.
February 18th, 2017 at 8:15 AM ^
The first two I could have guessed, but Tiki is a real surprise. Remember, she started out as a pitcher.
February 17th, 2017 at 9:13 PM ^
Michigan was well represented tonight in the stands tonight. Very gracious players afterwards to chat with, take some pictures and sign some autographs. Even managed to get the girls a picture with Hutch. Wonderful evening in Raleigh.
February 18th, 2017 at 6:46 AM ^
you go girl.