Michigan Softball: Big Ten Champions!
gritty victory ... won without many hits ... i was very impressed
I only caught the last 3 innings, but saw most of the offense. It was a defensive battle most of the way, with Michigan up 3 - 2 going into the 7th. Iowa then just fell apart - multiple runs on passed-balls, a silly mental error on what should've been an inning ending play, etc. Michigan capitalized with some heads-up base-running, esp. our 3rd run (to break a 2 - 2 tie in the 6th), where Bree Evans came in from 2nd to score on what was effectively a sacrifice bunt.
Great game for the ladies, now let's finish it out in style tomorrow! Game's on BTN at 5, sadly I won't be able to watch, b/c I'll be celebrating my graduation from Notre Dame (MA program)! Hooray, I will be out of South Bend soon! :)
...on earning your MA and on your imminent freedom from South Bend. Ex-South Bend Wolverine?
Good for you my good man. Run far, run fast.
It's a shame I have to drive by that place twice a day, to and from work. The good thing is that I live on the correct side of the border.
Go Blue! And Congrats, ladies. Any chance we replicate the magic of 2005?
With this team, it's a definite possiblity. They have the hitting, the pitching, and the coaching, and when you get those three things together, you can accomplish just about anything. I know it sounds crass, considering how hard they've been to come by lately, but this team was meant to win something much bigger than a Big Ten Championship, as nice as that is. :)
...mgoblue.com story. The season finale will be broadcast live on the BTN today at 5 pm EDT.
The No. 2-ranked University of Michigan softball team scored six unanswered runs in the final two innings to surge past Iowa, 8-2, and capture its third consecutive Big Ten Conference title outright on Friday evening (May 14) at Bob Pearl Field.
Junior RHP Jordan Taylor (Valencia, Calif./Valencia HS) was solid from the pitching circle, striking out 14 Hawkeye batters, including four straight between the sixth and seventh innings, while scattering four hits and a walk. The effort marked her 14th double-digit strikeout performance of the season and improved her record to 24-3.
And, to follow up last night's title-sealing win, Nikki Nemitz closes out her regular season career at Michigan with a one-hitter, as Michigan rolled to a 6 - 0 win. Michigan closes out the regular season with only one loss in conference play, and 38 wins in their last 40 games (if my quick counting is correct).
The Wolverines certainly look positioned to make an exciting postseason run into the WCWS!
...first Michigan pitcher to have 20 win seasons in each of her four seasons. That's super impressive. Here's the mgoblue.com story.
The No. 2-ranked University of Michigan softball team closed out the regular-season portion of its 2010 schedule in decisive fashion, cruising to a 6-0 shutout victory over Iowa on Saturday afternoon (May 15) at Bob Pearl Field. The Wolverines, who captured the Big Ten Conference title outright last night, wrapped up league play with a near-perfect 18-1 record.
Senior LHP Nikki Nemitz (St. Clair Shores, Mich./Regina HS) celebrated her 22nd birthday with a gem from the pitching circle, striking out seven Hawkeye batters while allowing one hit and a pair of walks en route to a complete-game shutout -- her sixth of the season. The win improved Nemitz's record to 20-3 on the season; she becomes the only pitcher in Wolverine program history to earn four straight 20-win seasons.
How ridiculous is it the Nemitz is only the 2nd best pitcher on this team?! She kinda reminds me of Chad Kolarik in the 2007-2008 hockey season. On any other team, he would've been receiving major discussion as a possible Hobey Baker candidate, but at Michigan of course Kevin Porter deservedly got the attention & ultimately the Hobey itself.
On virtually any other team, Nemitz would be the undisputed ace of the pitching staff, and would throw the great majority of games. But with Jordan Taylor, the two of them split time, keeping them both fresh, and all our opponents off-balance. This will be a major asset in the post-season, being able to mix & match like this, & keep both pitchers fresh.
...great point. Having two number ones seems like it will be a huge advantage in the post-season.