University of Louisville
Minnesota<BR>(Liberty Metrodome Classic)
Minnesota Edges Softball
February 10, 2001 | Softball
Feb. 10, 2001
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The University of Louisville softball team lost to Metrodome Softball Classic host Minnesota 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning in a late game Saturday night.
The Gophers quickly jumped to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when pitcher Angie Recknor singled to reach first, moved to second when Angel Braden was hit by a pitch and scored on Hailee Nanchy's double.
Louisville responded in the top of the second as Melissa Jacobo led off the inning with an infield single, moved to second on a wild pitch, advance to third on a passed ball and scored on LIsa McMillan's base hit to centerlayeMcMillan scored on NIcole Sparks double down the left field line to give the Cards a 2-1 lead.
The Golden Gophers tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning when Veronica Roberts drilled an infield single to reach first, moved to second on Morgan Holden's sacrifice bunt and scored on Jessica Green's double.
Minnesota scored in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the seventh when Piper Marten led off the inning with a single to left field, moved to second when Tammi Hays reached first on a Louisville error and advanced to third on Allie Fisk's sacrifice bunt. Another Louisville error placed Angie Recknor on first and loaded the bases. Marten scored when Angel Braden hit the ball down the third baseline and Louisville third baseman Kenzie Meisenburg touched third for the force out, but Marten scored the go-ahead run when the Cards were unable to tag the runner advancing home to give the Gophers the win.
"We started out the game playing strongly, but we had some costly errors in the bottom of the seventh," said U of L head coach Sandy Pearsall. "We've been defensively sound up until today and when our defense is on, we are definitely a better team."
Louisville pitcher Mandy Rockwell (0-2) took the loss for the Cardinals, allowing one unearned run on two hits and striking out two in two innings played.
The Cards fall to 4-2 on the season.
R H ELOUISVILLE 2 8 2MINNESOTA 3 8 1
