Head Coach Jacquie Joseph tries to boost team morale and confidence during an inning against Maryland at Secchia Stadium on April 30, 2022. The Spartans lost to the Terps with a score of 8-0.
Michigan State softball drops two of three games, including an 8-0 loss on Saturday in the final home series. On Friday, the Spartans lost 7-2, but they redeemed themselves in their home season finale 2-1.
The first inning on Saturday started off slow for both teams. Freshman pitcher Faith Guidry started out in the circle for the Spartans.
"Nobody's effective right now, we're just getting killed," Head Coach Jackie Joseph said. "I thought that Faith did a great job. She hit two, and then they ended up scoring. We just have to be better because we're not scoring enough runs. We can't afford to walk anybody or hit anybody, and give any free passes out. ... Maryland is hitting everything we throw."
Moving into the second inning, the Terrapins scored early on off of a hit runner RBI. Sophomore pitcher Ashley Miller subbed in at the top of the third for Guidry.
Miller moved into second for most single-season strikeouts, at a total of 232. The record was set at 264 by Jessica Beach in 2004.
UMD went on to score again at the top of the third off of an RBI triple hit to left field. The spartans remained behind 2-0 going into the top of the fourth.
Maryland scored twice during the fourth, followed by a zero hit inning for the Spartans. Heading into the 5th, the Terrapins lead 4-0 over MSU until the Terrapins scored early on from a throwing error.
Freshman pitcher Ashley Martin subbed in for Miller to kick off the top of the 6th inning. Maryland went on to score two runs off of a double RBI to center field. MSU remained at 0, unable to bring in a single run. Senior Kendall Kates had a base hit and shut down the Terrapins chance at a perfect game.
Maryland scored a final run at the top of the seventh, making the final score 8-0 Maryland.
"Obviously I'm disappointed. Tip your cap, Maryland has really just crushed the ball and created a ton of offense," Joseph said. "Their pitchers have just been lights out. We haven't been able to solve the pitching problem yet."
"We have to compete," Joseph said. "We have to stay in the fight and compete, every game matters."
MSU returned on Sunday, where they came back with a 2-1 win over Maryland. Fifth year second base Caitie Ladd scored at the bottom of the 2nd, and junior outfielder Brooke Snyder brought in a run at the bottom of the fourth to take the lead over UMD, after Maryland scored a run from a homer at the top of the third.
MSU is headed to Rutgers next weekend for their final game series before the Big Ten tournament begins on May 11.
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