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Spartans lose first game of double header, 8-5

April 6, 2011

The MSU softball team opened the first game of its double-header against Penn State Wednesday with an 8-6 loss at Secchia Stadium.

Freshman pitcher Cassee Layne moves to 8-10 on the season.

After taking an early 1-0 lead over the Nittnay Lions in the first inning, the Spartans advanced to a 3-1 lead, which started with senior shortstop Lindsey Hanson’s triple to centerfield to send senior outfielder Jessica Bracamonte home. Junior catcher Brett Williams’ double helped get Hansen to score before the inning ended.

Struggling with infield defense, MSU allowed Penn State to load the bases as outfielder Cassidy Bell stepped up to the plate. Bell powered out a grand slam at 200 feet into left field to give the Nittany Lions a 5-3 lead.

The Spartans tried to close the gap in the fifth inning, bringing the score to 5-4, but Penn State took control in the sixth.

Closing the inning with two unearned runs, the Nittany Lions took an 8-4 lead, capitalizing on MSU’s struggling defense.

As the Spartans looked to get the lead and the win in the seventh inning, Hansen hit her 13th homerun this season to left field, tying the Spartans’ single-season homerun record.

But the game ended with two runners on base as senior first baseman Heidi Purtzer struck out.

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