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 Sarah Berry had two hits and two RBI in the win over Northwood. |
April 14, 2006
DETROIT - The Wayne State University softball squad (21-16 overall, 10-2 GLIAC) increased its lead over second place Northwood University (24-11, 7-3 GLIAC) with a 10-3 victory in the nightcap of Friday's twinbill at the WSU Softball Stadium.
The Timberwolves scored twice in the bottom of the first with two outs. Reeta Echevarria was hit by an 0-2 pitch with one out, and following a groundout and an intentional walk, Rachel Minikel had an RBI single. NU's second run was scored on a Wayne State error.
The Warriors rallied with three runs in the top of the third. Freshman second baseman Lisa Seymour's (Davison, Mich.) first career home run put WSU on the board. Senior shortstop Sue Verbeem (LaSalle, Ont./Sandwich S.S.) and junior outfielder Becky Quinn (Ortonville, Mich./Oakland Christian) both walked on 3-2 pitches prompting a pitching change. After a passed ball and a groundout, sophomore Sarah Berry (Acton, Ont.) drilled a two-run double to left center putting Wayne State ahead 3-2.
The Timberwolves tied the game in the bottom of the third on a solo home run by Sam Thacker.
Verbeem's home run to left center in the top of the fifth gave WSU a 4-3 advantage.
NU had runners at second and third with one out in the bottom of the fifth, when senior Meghan Misiak (Livonia, Mich./Churchill) returned to the circle retiring the next two batters to preserve the lead.
Wayne State exploded for six runs in the top of the sixth. Berry and sophomore infielder Lindsey Perry (Taylor, Mich./Kennedy) had back-to-back doubles. Perry battled NU hurler Korey Schluckbier fouling off nine pitches with two strikes before doubling. Junior catcher Sarah Kish (St. Catharines, Ont./St. Francis S.S.) added an RBI single scoring Perry. Following a walk to Seymour, Kish scored on a Northwood error and Quinn laced a two-run triple to left center. Robyn Haig (Waterloo, Ont./Waterloo C.I.) added an RBI single for WSU's 10th run.
Freshman Lauren Warkentien (East China, Mich./Marine City) earned the win in relief of Sarah Ytsma (Chatham, Ont./McGregor S.S.). Ytsma pitched the first three innings allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks. Warkentien tossed 1.1 innings of scoreless relief before Misiak shut the door throwing 2.2 innings of hitless relief with four strikeouts. Sheena Smith started for Northwood and allowed three runs (two earned) in 2.1 innings. Schluckbier pitched the final 4.2 innings allowing seven runs (three earned).
Seven different Warriors accounted for the eight-hit attack and also the nine RBI.
Wayne State concludes its six home games in three days with a home doubleheader on Saturday against Saginaw Valley. First pitch is at 1 p.m.
Notes:
Sue Verbeem matched a WSU season-best with three runs scored.
Sarah Berry had two doubles in a game for the second time this year.
Sarah Kish has a hit in 15 of her last 16 games.
The triple by Becky Quinn was her first since hitting two three-baggers in the same game at Findlay on April 1st.
Lisa Seymour has an RBI in three straight contests.
