Emily Martin
MSU softball vs. UMich April 9, 2024.EAST LANSING — Fresh off a weekend series against Indiana, the Michigan State softball team was looking to bounce back against in-state rival Michigan at Secchia Stadium. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 11-5 courtesy of Keke Tholl’s three home runs.
The Wolverines opened the scoring with a solo home run by senior Keke Tholl in the second inning.
Michigan added three more runs with a double down the left-field line by freshman outfielder Ella Stephenson and scored on an error to lead 4-0 after two innings.
The Spartans cut the deficit to 4-1 in the bottom of the second courtesy of senior designated hitter Collete Allen, who stole home
The Wolverines scoring success continued in the fourth inning as junior outfielder Ellie Sieler’s two-run homer extended Michigan’s lead to 7-1.
MSU junior pitcher Madison Taylor was pulled after four innings pitched, recording one strikeout on the night.
After MSU cut the deficit to 7-2 with a single by junior catcher Macy Lee, Keke Tholl recorded her second home run of the night in the fifth inning, before adding her third in the sixth inning.
MSU added three runs in the bottom of the sixth to avoid being mercied as sophomore first baseman Britain Beshears and senior second baseman Anna Fox recorded RBI’s for MSU.
The Wolverines were led by an impressive pitching performance by junior pitcher Lauren Derkowski. Derkowski recorded five strikeouts and gave up one run in three innings pitched.
The Spartans were led by Macy Lee, who recorded three hits and an RBI, while Britain Beshears also contributed, recording two hits and two RBI’s in the loss.
The Spartans will look to bounce back tomorrow as they face off against another in-state rival, the Western Michigan Broncos, before traveling on the road for a weekend series against Penn State.