March 28, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The only difference between the Michigan State and Northwestern softball teams in their Big Ten opener Friday afternoon was the Spartans got the one big hit they needed, while the Wildcats were unable to cash in on their opportunities. Natalie Furrow's three-run home run in the first inning held up, as Michigan State posted a 3-0 win. NU stranded 10 baserunners, including six in scoring position.
With the win, MSU improves to 19-8 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten, while No. 22 Northwestern falls to 17-7 and 0-1. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak in conference openers for NU, while the Spartans snapped a three-game skid in their first Big Ten game of the season.
Freshman starter Courtnay Foster (Tucson, Ariz./Sahuaro) struggled in her Big Ten debut, allowing four hits and three earned runs in 1.2 innings of work, including the two-out home run to Furrow in the first. Senior Lauren Schwendimann (Tustin, Calif./Foothill) came on in relief of Foster and tossed 4.1 shutout innings, allowing only four hits.
Every time that the Wildcats appeared ready to rally, MSU pitcher Jessica Beech was able to wiggle her way off the hook. NU recorded seven hits and three walks off of Beech, but was never able to break through in the scoring column.
The game was halted on two separate occasions in the bottom of the sixth inning due to thunder and lightning in the area. The game eventually continued and Schwendimann was able to strand a Spartan runner on second base.
Northwestern attempted to mount a final charge in the top of the seventh inning as darkness and heavy rain began to settle in. Ashley Crane (Sammamish, Wash./Eastlake) led off the inning, but was called out on a close play at first base on a ball hit to the right side.
A pair of walks sandwiched a strikeout, and Erin Mobley (Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill) followed with her third hit of the game, loading the bases. But once again, Beech was able to work her way out of trouble, recording her third strikeout to finish the game.
Mobley continued her recent success at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a walk in her four plate appearances to raise her season average to .390. J.C. Kira (Honolulu, Hawaii/Saint Francis) stayed hot at the plate as well, going 2-for-3 with a double.
The Wildcats have a chance for revenge at 1 p.m. Saturday when they meet the Spartans at Old College Field.