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 outgunned offensively.
“Indiana showed us how to answer today, and we need to follow suit with that,” Michigan coach Bonnie Tholl said.
The fireworks were on display early and often for both teams. After struggling to muster much power against Wolverines 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 Saturday, 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 kind of offense Michigan needed to stay in this game with a two-RBI home run to center. But the stronger damage inflicted by Indiana meant that the Wolverines needed to keep firing to match the Hoosiers.
Early on, this game had the making of an offensive shootout. With both pitchers struggling to deal with the two prolific offenses, it appeared that the series finale could turn into a race to double digits. And the offensive explosiveness didn’t stop early on.
Unmarred by Michigan’s answer, Indiana continued to cause problems in the second. Although Ellis did not allow hard contact to start the frame, strong base running and plate discipline allowed the Hoosiers to put pressure on the defense with runners at the corners. That set the table for another massive three-run home run from Indiana catcher Avery Parker to extend the lead to 7-2. It also meant an early exit for Ellis.
“Eight of their 11 runs were accounted for by home runs by the long ball, which is the same thing that happened against Ohio State,” Tholl said. “Finding a way to keep the ball in the ballpark is huge.”
But 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. Back to back singles from junior center fielder Jenissa Conway and redshirt junior catcher Lilly Vallimont to start the fourth inning only enhanced the opportunity to get back in the game. 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 the Hoosiers held a five run lead entering the fifth, the Wolverines actually matched their five hits at that point. The difference was, unlike yesterday, 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.
“I felt we were in a good situation (offensively),” Tholl said. “We just did not come up clutch.”
Following a strong start, Meyers could no longer 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 had 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.
