The Spartans only put up one run in the duration of the game due to the energy from Michigan starting pitcher, Alex Storako.

“Storako is a special talent,” coach Jacquie Joseph said. “She struck us out 14 times, but I was really proud of the way we came out.”

The Spartans started the game off strong with a home run in the top of the second inning from freshman right fielder Marissa Trivelpiece, marking her second home run of the season.

It was soon overlooked once Michigan’s Haley Hoogenraad brought in a two-run home run at the bottom of the second. 

Michigan State did not put up any runs for the rest of the game, but the Wolverines were keeping sophomore lefthand pitcher Sarah Ladd on her toes. 

Michigan’s Hannah Carson brought Lauren Esman to home plate after hitting a pop-up ball directly into centerfield, making the score 3-1 Wolverines in the bottom of the fourth inning. Esman also scored another run later in the game during the bottom of the fifth when Lou Allan sent the ball down the right-field line. 

Ladd was relieved by freshman righthand pitcher Jala Wright in the bottom of the sixth inning. Wright’s pitch total concluded at 20 when the game ended after the Spartans had one last chance to bat in the top of the seventh inning. 

“I thought we had an outstanding starting pitching performance from Sarah Ladd,” Joseph said. “I thought we did a nice job early not expanding the strike zone.” 

Michigan scored two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning which marked the game was close to being over. Even Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard was present to experience the win.

“I hope our kids feel confidence from at least the way we competed today,” Joseph said. “We didn’t have the outcomes we wanted but we did some nice things and so I hope it can carry over.”

The team will match up at home against Penn State for a four-game series starting Friday at 4 p.m.