The home run was all the No. 25 Michigan softball team needed to defeat in-state foe Western Michigan (7-12), 3-0.
Daniel Dash
Daily Sports Writer
Softball
Now, after three consecutive performances without giving up an earned run as a relief pitcher, including one against then-No. 9 Louisiana State, Beaubien is scorching. She’s found her swagger as a starter. But most of all, she’s started to mold into a reliable reliever as well.
On Sunday, the No. 25 Michigan softball team (15-10) essentially clinched its first game of the day in the first inning — a game the Wolverines won, 18-1 — providing ample time for Hutchins to put some new faces both in the field and at bat.
The moment Michigan went up to bat Sunday afternoon, it was clear the game would be a blowout. Golden Flashes’ right-hander Andrea Scali walked the first two batters she faced — senior second baseman Faith Canfield and fellow senior outfielder Natalie Peters. The Wolverines sent both of these runners home — and eight more after that — before the inning was over.
Last Tuesday, Michigan softball coach Carol Hutchins promised that her team would be “excited as hell” to play its first home series of the season.
Players surround the plate, smiling and chanting as they eye their teammate rounding third base. Moments prior, Faith Canfield slammed the first hit of the home season over the fence past left field.
The Daily breaks down the Big Ten contenders who have their eyes set on dethroning the Wolverines this spring.
As errors plummeted and her batting average soared, she could have been happy with her role as starting catcher, content in being remembered — just like her high school coach — as one of the strongest catchers in Michigan’s history. Instead, she’s gone above and beyond, serving the team as a leader and mentor, on and off the field.
The Daily breaks down each of the Wolverines’ position groups as they aim to capitalize on a Kent State team that enters Ann Arbor mired in an eight-game losing streak.
The Wolverines head into home play with a 12-10 record, something that the Michigan coach, her players and the softball community at large aren’t accustomed to experiencing — nor could’ve predicted given the program’s precedent of dominance.
Alumni Field brings excitement, and starting its home season Thursday, the Michigan softball team needs to adjust to that energy to succeed. Though the environment the first weekend in Ann Arbor can carry some like Rodriguez, playing at home can also present new challenges — ones that the Wolverines plan to shed in favor of home-field traditions and hype.