Indiana
Indiana rides hot start to series clinching win over Michigan, 11-2
In a series-deciding game with postseason implications, both teams understood the importance of starting off hot offensively. It was Indiana who found a way to ride early momentum to a crucial victory.
The Michigan softball team (30-19 overall, 8-13 Big Ten) fell to the Hoosiers (37-13, 14-7) in an 11-2 trouncing. From the start, the Wolverines found themselves chasing the game.
The fireworks were on display early and often for both teams. After struggling to muster much power against junior right-hander Gabby Ellis in Game 2, Indiana responded forcefully in the top of the first with a two out grand slam from center fielder Ellie Goins. Just like that, Michigan faced another deficit to overcome early.
However, the Wolverines responded to the initial Hoosier surge with some power of their own. Junior left fielder Ella Stephenson exhibited the exact power Michigan needed to stay in this game with a two-RBI home run to center.
Early on, this game had the making of an offensive shootout. With both pitchers struggling to deal with the two prolific offenses along with a couple of fielding mishaps, it appeared that the series finale could turn into a race to double digits. That inspired more explosive offense in the second.
Unmarred by the Wolverines’ answer, Indiana continued to cause problems at the plate and on the bases in the second inning. Although Ellis did not allow hard contact to start the frame, hard base running and strong plate discipline allowed the Hoosiers to put pressure on Michigan’s circle with runners on first and third. That set the table for another massive three-run home run from Indiana catcher Avery Parker to extend the lead to 7-2. That paved the way for an early exit for Ellis.
After multiple strong innings of relief from sophomore right-hander Kat Meyers, it looked like the Wolverines had a beacon of hope with the Hoosiers’ offense slowing down. And with back to back singles from junior center fielder Jenissa Conway and redshirt junior catcher Lilly Vallimont, the opportunity to get back in the game was there. But unlike Indiana, Michigan struggled to capitalize with runners on base after a strikeout from senior second baseman Janelle Ilacqua stranded the bases loaded.
Even though Indiana held a five run lead entering the fifth, the Wolverines actually matched the Hoosiers five hits at that point. The difference was, unlike Saturday, Indiana’s early power was too much to handle. Meanwhile, Michigan’s lack of similar clinical hitting made it difficult for it to climb out of that deficit.
Following a strong start, Meyers finally could not hold off the Hoosiers’ offense. A second home run from Parker set the tone for the inning as Indiana put more pressure on the Wolverines with good plate discipline and base running. With yet another four run inning, the Hoosiers put Michigan on the verge of a mercy rule.
And the Wolverines yet again were unable to respond. A leadoff bunt from senior designated player Indiana Langford was all the offense Michigan could manage in the fifth, with Indiana right hander Taylor Hess closing out a five inning performance with three consecutive outs against the top of the order.
Thanks to early firepower, the Hoosiers were able to set the tone for the game and clinch an invaluable series victory.