ND uses long ball to defeat Team 40
The SB Team was shell shocked today by ND Pitcher Caitlyn Brooks. Brooks had 2 jacks and 5 RBIs to lead the Irish to a 6-4 victory over our beloved Maize and Blue.
Megan Betsa struggled again today by allowing 6 runs (5 ER) off 6 hits. She had 11 Ks and 2 BBs. Ball placement was certainly an issue in the early innings.
Aidan Falk was the only bright spot on offense by driving in 2 with a double in the bottom of the 3rd. However, Aiden had a golden opportunity to make something happen with the bases loaded and zero outs in the 6th; however, she struck out. The remaining 2 batters (Monty and Sobczek) also were put out. Natalie Peters went 3 for 5 with a run scored.
The offense put pressure on the Irish in the bottom of the 7th. We had scored a run and had 2 runners on with 2 out, but pinch hitter Amanda Varaga fouled out to 3B, Canfield had a FC for out #2 and Blanco flew out to end the game.
February 18th, 2017 at 12:45 PM ^
We play again against NC State at 3pm on ESPN3 and then ND again tomorrow morning.
I have a feeling Hutch yelled at Aidan a lot after she struck out. 3 straight swings with bases loaded against an erratic ND pitcher who walked the bases loaded.
All 3 losses this season have been by 2 runs or less. I expected this early on due to who we lost to graduation.
February 18th, 2017 at 12:49 PM ^
You quickly get another game to wash away the last one....
February 18th, 2017 at 12:54 PM ^
Unless you're the 2003 Detroit Tigers, who arguably needed 2004 and 2005 (and even 2006 really) to wash away 2003 and whatever that was. I still have memories of being able to switch seats at a game at Comerica no less than once per inning by the time July rolled around.
February 18th, 2017 at 1:04 PM ^
is something to be said for Tourney play. There is not much time to mourn a loss or rejoice a victory. The next game is mere hour or two away.
February 18th, 2017 at 12:50 PM ^
Not that Hutch wasn't mad with the K, but Falk struck out against a replacement ND pitcher. They went to the pen after they loaded the bases.
Also, 15 LOB, 2/14 with RISP. Can't win games that way.
February 18th, 2017 at 1:02 PM ^
Especially against an average pitcher, and a relief pitcher at that.
The radio announcers said that Hutch was livid at Falk. All 3 strikes were high and possibly out of the strike zone.
February 18th, 2017 at 12:47 PM ^
This is quite inaccurate, detail wise. First off: Aidan*, Monte*, Sobczak*, Vargas*. Sobczak flew out to end the 6th, not struck out. Also, Vargas pinch hit and led off the inning with a foul out. Tera Blanco flew out to end the game. As far as Betsa struggling AGAIN, this is the first time she's had any issue the whole year so I'm not sure that that's referring to.
Regardless, frustrating loss for Michigan. Bases loaded nobody out, and the next two batters strike out. Hutch must have been irate.
February 18th, 2017 at 1:06 PM ^
but none the less, your point is spot on. We should not have lost to this team. We had chances to take the lead in the 6th and 7th inning. The leaders need to step up and produce on offense if the pitcher has a shakey start.
February 18th, 2017 at 1:04 PM ^
0-8 Maryland is beating #1 Florida 4-2 right now in the sixth inning.
February 18th, 2017 at 1:07 PM ^
They lost 5-1 to Florida A&M earlier today and 13-2 to Northwestern St. yesterday. And so far it's not a fluke. They have 9 hits to UF's 3.
February 18th, 2017 at 1:11 PM ^
committed 3 errors thus far in the game too.
February 18th, 2017 at 1:18 PM ^
Better to learn from these game situations now than later in the season like the Big Ten tourney or the NCAA tourney.
February 18th, 2017 at 1:40 PM ^
is that the Big Ten is weak and our SOS is front loaded. So losing early games hurts because we cannot make up ground with quality wins.
It could mean the difference between hosting a Super or traveling.
February 18th, 2017 at 2:18 PM ^
And Michigan doesn't even play Goldie Gopher in B10 play which makes no sense to me as to how the B10 would make a schedule with Michigan and Minnesota not playing. So that is even less room for error in B10 play.
Michigan does have some opportunities in the Mary Nutter and the Judi Garman Classics to get some nice wins against some ranked opponents. I think you even were shaky on saying that Michigan would host a Super in your preview but I would expect Michigan to host a Regional.
I didn't watch or pay attention to the game but looking at the box score I would like to see a little more production from the 6-9 spots and turn the line up over. I am sure Hutch is trying to figure out if Abby is best leading off or at the 9 spot where she has been the past few years.
On a completely random note, I swear Groenewegen has been at Minnesota forever haha. It seems like we have faced her for 5+ years now.
February 18th, 2017 at 3:14 PM ^
Oh my God.
Maryland just beat Florida. MARYLAND.
Maryland lost 26-4 to Nebraska last year, is 0-8, got run ruled by Northwestern State yesterday.
February 18th, 2017 at 6:32 PM ^
I assume FSU ran their #2/3 pitcher and a few younger ladies in the field as well. Still a big upset of course
February 18th, 2017 at 3:55 PM ^
Betsa can bounce back and this was just an aberration.
GO BLUE!!
February 18th, 2017 at 5:07 PM ^
It might help to clarify what sport this is in the title. "Team 40"? I drew a blank...
February 18th, 2017 at 5:13 PM ^
In the next game.
Go Blue!!
February 18th, 2017 at 6:12 PM ^
It's never OK to ose to ND in any sport, because, well, obviously.
That said, it's early in the season. This is the time to get the kinks out.
And, M Softball will beat the evil domers tomorrow (I hope).