Kent State University
8-11
Michigan
15-7-1
No. 17 Michigan defeats Kent State 2-0
3/18/2017 4:40:00 PM | Softball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Kent State was shutout by No. 17 Michigan and fell 2-0 in the opening game of the three-game series on Saturday.
Senior Ronnie Ladines only allowed two hits in the circle, while striking out four and did not allow an earned run.
"Ronnie did her part again in another great pitcher's duel. Unfortunately, two things went against us," said head coach Eric Oakley. "You can't have three errors and against a team like Michigan, and you have to put the ball in play. All due credit to Megan Betsa, but we need to find a way to make the other team's defense work."
A scoreless ballgame through the first four innings, the Wolverines scored their only runs of the game in the fifth inning, which were aided by an error and a passed ball.
The Golden Flashes (8-11) had two stellar defensive plays to keep the game within reach. In the first inning, second baseman Kellie Abeska made a diving catch on a line drive to prevent Michigan from scoring. In the fourth inning leftfielder Vanessa Scoarste tracked down a deep fly ball and made a one handed catch crashing into the wall.
All-American Megan Betsa hurled a no-hitter for the Wolverines and walked two while striking out 17.
Sophomore Bailey Brownfield and junior Maddy Grimm each drew a walk and were the Flashes' only base runners in the game.
Kent State will play a double-header tomorrow against Michigan with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m. The games can be listened to on Golden Flashes iHeart Radio
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Betsa (7-5)
L: Ladines, Ronnie (3-7)
Batting:
SH: Alexander 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Canfield 1 ; Montemarano 1
SB: Peters 1 ; Ramirez 1 ; Canfield 1
