Softball: UL softball loses first game of Super Regionals – Walk-off homer by Michigan trumps Cajuns

Jordan Wallace pitched strong for UL, but Michigan got a walk-off home run to win Friday’s Game 1 of the NCAA Super Regionals. / Jonathan Knight

Daily Advertiser, May 25, 2013

ANN ARBOR, MICH. — Brianna Cherry hit a game-tying home run in the seventh inning and Matte Haack launched a go-ahead homer in the eighth, but Michigan’s Ashley Lane hit the decisive two-run shot in the bottom of the frame to lift the Wolverines past Louisiana 4-3 on Friday in game one of the NCAA Super Regionals at the Wilpon Complex.

The Ragin’ Cajuns (46-14) were down to their last out in the seventh frame when Nerissa Myers ripped a single to left field to keep the game alive. Cherry, a senior from Petal, Miss., drilled a two-run homer to tie the game, 2-2.

Myers and Cherry were named to both the All-Baton Rouge Regional and All-Sun Belt Conference first-teams. Myers finished the game 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run scored.

After Jordan Wallace retired the side in order in the bottom of the seventh, Matte Haack, an All-Conference First-Team selection, drilled a solo shot to left field to open the eighth and give the Cajuns a 3-2 lead. UL had a chance to tack on insurance runs with runners on first and third with out, but Michigan’s Haylie Wagner was called from the bullpen and got out of the jam.

In the bottom of the eighth, Caitlin Blanchard was hit by a pitch to start the inning for Michigan (49-10). Lane followed with a foul ball that popped out of the first baseman’s glove to give her another swing. Lane did not disappoint as she homered to left field.

Wallace (31-8), the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional MVP, struck out 10 hitters in 7.0 innings but recorded the loss. Wagner (19-3) got the win after throwing 0.2 innings. Sara Driesenga started for Michigan and struck out five in 7.1 innings.

The Wolverines scored their first two runs in the first inning. Sierra Romero hit a one-out double to right center field for the first score, and Blanchard singled in-between the center and right fielder for the second run.

Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regionals will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday. If the Cajuns win it would force a third game at 2 p.m. on Saturday.