Final Stats
SALEM, Va. -- A five-run fifth inning broke things open for Minnesota State as the Mavericks defeated Armstrong State, 8-4, on Friday evening at the NCAA Softball Championship.
“When we started, I knew that Armstrong State is a strong, strong offensive lineup to face,” Minnesota State head coach Lori Meyer said. “I thought we were fortunate that we were able to hold them to four hits and four runs. I thought it was critical for us to jump out early, and when we put up five, I knew we needed more.”
The two teams traded runs early, but then the Mavericks got to work in the fifth. With one out, Minnesota State with three-straight singles to load the bases. Ashley Thell then hit an RBI single, followed by two runs on a throwing error. Carly Esselman then belted a two-run double to left field.
Armstrong State’s potent offense was on display in the sixth as Katie Collins smacked a three-run home run to left to cut the deficit to 6-4. Minnesota State was able to add a couple of insurance runs on RBI hit from Samantha Buhmann and Esselman.
That cushion allowed starter Coley Ries (38-3) to work through the seventh and earn the complete game victory. She finished giving up four runs on four hits with 10 strikeouts and a walk.
Esselman finished with three hits and three RBI to pace the MSU offense. Pap, Thell and Buhmann each had two hits.
Tori Bates (6-2) took the loss for Armstrong State giving up four runs (one earned) on six hits with two strikeouts. Jane Trzaska pitched the final 2.2 innings allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits with two strikeouts and a walk.
“Kudos to Minnesota State, they’re a great team,” said Armstrong State coach Kim Dean said. “We can hit our way out of a lot of jams, but when you’re facing top-caliber finishing you just get yourself into too big of a hole.”
“They’re a real good team, they’re really quick,” said ASU’s Macy Coleman. “It seemed like everything was falling for them. Things went they’re way today – it didn’t go ours – and I think we’ll have a better day tomorrow.”