April 22, 2008

Box Score

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State softball dropped a close game Tuesday against Bowling Green, as the Falcons picked up a 2-1 victory at Old College Field. The Spartans held a 1-0 advantage with two outs against the Falcons in the top of the seventh, but a costly walk kept Bowling Green alive. With an RBI double and single, then three quick MSU outs in the bottom the inning, Bowling Green (13-20) snagged the win away from Michigan State (23-22).

After three scoreless innings, Michigan State finally scored the game's first run in the bottom of the fourth. Traci Nicosia drove in her 15th RBI of the season with a double to right-center field, easily sending Gina Mondo around from second base to put MSU ahead 1-0.

MSU missed an opportunity to increase its lead in the sixth inning, as mental errors cost the Spartans. Kara Weigle scored after tagging up on a caught foul ball, but was called out for leaving the base early. The two outs on the play retired the inning, leaving Mondo stranded on third and Abby Lincoln on first. In the game, MSU left five runners on base.

Michigan State's one-run advantage held on through two outs into the top of the seventh. BGSU flied out and struck out in its first plate appearances in the top of the last inning, but pinch hitter Melissa Bott drew a walk, putting the tying run on base. Lead-off hitter Dawnjene DeLong capitalized on the situation with an RBI double, then advanced to third on the throw. Susan Sontag followed with an RBI single to center field, scoring the winning run.

MSU hurler Lesley Noel dropped to 13-15 this season, while BGSU's Hayley Wiemer improved to 10-4.

Additionally of note, the Spartans are winless (0-4) when Nikki Nicosia is not batting lead-off. Nicosia missed today's game with a minor leg injury; she is expected to return to the lineup this week.

The Spartans continue their busy week tomorrow, Wednesday, April 23, for a doubleheader against Oakland, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Old College Field.