After a crucial series win, the Michigan softball team looked to build off its momentum against an inter-state opponent.
But Tuesday’s game against Oakland (15-14 overall) proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Despite that, the Wolverines (22-13) were able to overcome this en route to a 6-5 victory.
From the jump, both offenses were hot. The Golden Grizzlies put Michigan’s pitching under immediate duress, singling and walking their way to three runs in the first. The Wolverines were able to replicate that small ball approach, scoring two runs courtesy of singles from sophomore right fielder Lauren Putz and freshman shortstop Kiley Carr.
Oakland continued to threaten in the second, hitting two more times off freshman right hander Grayson LaMarche. But it failed to capitalize on its efforts in the second, stranding two runners on base to end the inning. The Grizzlies especially lamented not advancing home from third base on a drop from senior left fielder Indiana Langford.
Meanwhile, Oakland also handed Michigan a break in the batting department. The Wolverines took advantage of three fielding errors from the Grizzlies, including two drops on what appeared to be surefire outs. This allowed freshman catcher Sydney Hastings to take advantage on the basepaths, tying the game at three.
There seemed to be no signs of slowing down for Oakland’s offense though. The Grizzlies stayed consistent with their approach, making consistent contact to retake the lead and load the bases with one out. That prompted a pitching change to sophomore right hander Haley Ferguson, who did well to mitigate the damage, allowing just the inherited runner on third to score to make it 5-3. But Michigan was not able to respond, going down three straight after leading off with a walk.
Ferguson responded with a 1-2-3 inning of her own, opening the door for the Wolverines on offense. And Michigan was handed a prime opportunity, with runners on second and third with star sluggers junior outfielder Jenissa Conway and Putz due up. However, it was for naught thanks to clutch pitching from right hander Kenna Bommarito to strand both players.
It was more of the same in the fifth inning as Ferguson dealt a second straight scoreless frame. Sensing danger, the Wolverines brought in some of their veterans, as junior outfielder Ella Stephenson delivered to once again put two runners in scoring position. Although junior catcher Lilly Vallimont hit a dangerous ball into the outfield, she was denied by a difficult over-the-shoulder catch from left fielder Storm Kentros to once again deny Michigan.
A third consecutive scoreless inning from Ferguson allowed the Wolverines to stay within striking distance. And finally, Michigan took advantage of its ability to threaten with runners in scoring position. After singles from Langford and Conway, the Wolverines’ ace slugger Putz fired a three RBI home run into center to give Michigan its first lead of the game 6-5.
The seventh inning epitomized the struggle for the Wolverines. A fielding error from Putz put runners at the corners for Oakland with a chance to tie the game. But Ferguson’s clutch pitching reigned supreme once again, allowing a soft roller to first to end the game.
It wasn’t as pretty as Michigan wanted, but it was able to overcome adversity and find a way to win against the Grizzlies.
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