Wolverines Fall in Series Opener at Nebraska

Friday, April 8

Lincoln, Neb.

7:30 PM CT

Michigan

27-4, 5-2

Nebraska

25-12, 6-3

Michigan

Nebraska

4/8/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

April 8, 2016

» Nebraska's RBI double in the third inning proved the difference in the 1-0 ballgame -- just the second shutout allowed by U-M this season.
» Michigan outhit Nebraska, 4-2, but left seven base runners stranded.
» RHP Megan Betsa was solid in the circle, striking out nine while allowing two hits and four walks.

• Box Score

Site: Lincoln, Neb. (Bowlin Stadium)
Scores: Nebraska 1, #1 Michigan 0
Records: U-M (27-4, 5-2 Big Ten), NEB (25-12, 6-3 Big Ten)
Next U-M Event: Saturday, April 9 -- at Nebraska (Lincoln, Neb.), 1 p.m. CDT

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The No. 1-ranked University of Michigan softball team dropped a pitchers' duel in the series opener against Nebraska, falling 1-0 to the Cornhuskers on Friday evening (April 8) at Bowlin Field. It is just the second shutout loss for the Wolverines this season.

Michigan outhit the Huskers, 4-2, but left seven base runners stranded in the contest. The Wolverines twice advanced a runner to third -- in the second and sixth frames -- but could not capitalize. With perhaps its best opportunity in the top of the seventh, putting two on and one down, U-M ran itself out of the inning with a game-ending double play.

An RBI double off the bat of Huskers shortstop Alicia Armstrong in the third proved the difference in the ball game. Nebraska's MJ Knighten drew a two-out walk to spark the rally and scored from first when Armstrong doubled to the wall in leftfield.

Junior RHP Megan Betsa (12-3) was solid in the circle, allowing just two hits and four walks -- two in the first inning -- while striking out nine Husker batters. She grew stronger as the game wore on, striking out the side in the sixth on 14 pitches.

Despite allowing five free bases of her own and striking out just a pair of Wolverines, Nebraska RHP Cassie McClure claimed the complete-game shutout with a four-hit effort. It is the second-fewest Michigan hits in a game this season.

Michigan will continue the series at Nebraska tomorrow (Saturday, April 9), taking on the Cornhuskers at 1 p.m. CDT at Bowlin Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Communications Contact: Leah Howard