MADISON, Wis. – Lauren Boyd and Danielle Williams combined for nine strikeouts while allowing just four total hits as Northwestern earned a 1-0 shutout win at Wisconsin to open a three-game weekend series.
Boyd started in the circle for Northwestern going 3.0 shutout innings while giving up one hit, walking none, and striking out two. Williams picked up the win out of the bullpen, improving to a team-best 10-1 on the season after tossing 4.0 shutout innings, allowing three hits, walking two and striking out seven.
In the batter's box, the Wildcats were paced by reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Week Kansas Robinson, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a double. Jordyn Rudd furnished a noteworthy performance as well, hitting a lead-off double in the sixth inning for the 47th double of her career, passing Rachel Lewis for third place all-time in program history.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Wildcats took the lead for good in the second, scoring for the first and only time in the inning. Hannah Cady led off the inning with a hit by pitch, followed by back-to-back walks from Nikki Cuchran and Angela Zedak. With the bases loaded, Northwestern plated a run on a six-pitch walk by Grace Nieto.
Wisconsin loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the sxith inning, but a strikeout from Williams followed by a pivotal 5-3 double play from Hannah Cady neutralized the threat.
PSA: Put @gracenieto116 on #SCTop10pic.twitter.com/ksOQaQnddD
— Northwestern Softball (@NUSBcats) April 15, 2023
In just her third game back in the lineup after missing the start of Big Ten play, Grace Nieto turned in a web gem at second base for the first out of the seventh inning.
INNING-ENDING DOUBLE PLAY ????
— Northwestern Softball (@NUSBcats) April 14, 2023
Massive play from @hannah_cady ends a bases loaded jam and keep us on top headed to the seventh! pic.twitter.com/PJcGnSNWhJ
GAME NOTES
» Boyd and Williams combined to throw a four-hit shutout.
» Williams struck out seven Badgers hitters.
» Northwestern pitchers limited Wisconsin to just 1-for-8 (.125) with runners in scoring position.
» Northwestern pitchers faced 27 Wisconsin hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and six fly balls while striking out nine.
» The Wildcats drew four walks from Wisconsin pitching.
» Senior Maddie Schwartz led the Badgers pitching staff, throwing seven innings of one-run ball.
This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.