Softball Drops Pitchers' Duel to Florida; USF at 3:45

Submitted by South Bend Wolverine on

Florida has been the softball program's nemesis for years now, and despite an impressive performance from the freshman ace, that trend continued.  In Scott Frost fashion, the Wolverines actually did out-hit the Gators on the day, 5-4, but the Gators were the ones who strung their hits together, plating 2 runs in the 4th inning.

While everyone hates a moral victory, it is impossible not to be impressed at Meghan Beaubien's performance in the circle today.  Facing the #2 team in the country, replete with star power and WCWS experience in just her 2nd start ever, Beaubien kept the Gators in check all game long.  She threw 6 strong innings, highlighted by a 9-2 K/BB ratio.

If nothing else, Michigan learned today that now and for the next four years, we will have an ace pitcher that can keep us in the game against anyone in the country when she's on.  And she'll keep getting better, as will the rest of the team.  On to the next game - USF in a few hours.

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RoseInBlue

February 10th, 2018 at 1:06 PM ^

2-0 Florida

Interestingly they pulled the starter Barnhill after the 2nd inning despite no runs and only 2 base hits (both doubles).  We were making good contact off of her so maybe Walton thought that was a bad sign.  Whatever lead to his decision it was a good one because we couldn't really square up Ocasio the same way at all.

Joined: 02/21/2016

MGoPoints: 6692

bluestaffah

February 10th, 2018 at 1:33 PM ^

Dont hate the state, live here and love it. Had tickets to the game with my Gator neighbor but alas, I had to work...sigh. However, on a positive note, it's a beautiful 80+ degree day to buy a house. Hint, hint...wink,wink to all in MgoBlogland.

Joined: 09/24/2013

MGoPoints: 3445

snowcrash

February 10th, 2018 at 8:55 PM ^

The good: Beaubien and the defense held an elite offense to just 6 baserunners and 2 runs. The bad: the offense had just 11 baserunners (including one who was hit by a pitch) in two games, and scored only on two solo HRs.

Joined: 07/22/2008

MGoPoints: 6620

MGoBlue00

February 10th, 2018 at 9:08 PM ^

This team will go as far as Meghan Beaubien will take them. She's clearly the ace and the only one capable of going 7 innings against elite competition. Looking forward to watching her improve as the season goes on, but she looks darn good this weekend already!

As for the offense, I think Hutch has her hands tied a little bit this weekend. Does anybody know what's wrong with Lou Allan and when she's expected back? She didn't make the trip. Also, Taylor Bump has a thumb issue and hasn't seen the field at all. Natalia Rodriguez started the last game at short, which did add another slapper to the lineup. I would've probably put Falk in right and bumped Swearingen from 3rd to 1st to get Alex Sobczak's bat in the lineup in place of Gonzalez for a little more pop, but it's early and a good time to experiment I guess.

The schedule doesn't seem quite as difficult as it has been in years past. I think we'll win a lot of games, but the quality of the wins might not be enough to get us into the top 16 and a home regional again.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 220

RoseInBlue

February 12th, 2018 at 9:35 AM ^

For whatever reason, they're not playing in the Mary Nutter Classic this year which eliminates a number of good teams from their schedule.  You're right.  It might not be enough to host.  But Michigan has enough name recognition in this sport that it might be if they win the games.

Joined: 02/21/2016

MGoPoints: 6692