March 22, 2008

Box Score

OXFORD, OHIO - Michigan State exploded for six runs in the first inning and rolled to a 9-1, five-inning mercy-rule victory over Miami's softball team Saturday afternoon in the Best Western Sycamore Inn Invitational.

The two teams played in wind-chill temperatures that dipped into the lower 20s under overcast and occasionally precipitous skies.

After Miami (8-13) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, the Spartans (13-12) rocked Miami starter Shalise Lugo (3-7) for six runs and six hits in the bottom half of the inning.

MSU scored twice more in the bottom of the fourth inning and added one run in the fifth to register the eight-run mercy-rule triumph. The Spartans' nine runs came on a total of 10 hits, including a home run by shortstop Bianca Mejia. State's winning pitcher was Lesley Noel (6-8) who allowed the RedHawks just one run on three hits.

Christine Bills collected two of Miami's three hits for the game, while Kat Russette had one safety.

Barring inclement weather, Miami and the four visiting teams will play four more games at MU's Softball Stadium on Sunday, including a 10 a.m. game between Youngstown State and Michigan State, a 12 noon contest between Toledo and Michigan State, a 2 p.m. game between Youngstown State and Penn State, and a 4 p.m. meeting between Miami and Penn State.

--MURedHawks.com--