Carson, Kersten Combine for Seven RBI in Michigan Run-Rule Victory at Elon

Monday, February 28

Elon, N.C.

4:30 PM

Michigan

9-5

Elon

9-4

Michigan

Elon

Hannah Carson (Andy Mead photo)

Carson, Kersten Combine for Seven RBI in Michigan Run-Rule Victory at Elon

2/28/2022 7:15:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Leah Howard

» No. 19 Michigan scored three runs apiece in the first and second innings en route to an 11-3 win in five at Elon; it was U-M's first run-rule decision of the season.
» Michigan posted 14 hits, including three apiece from Kristina Burkhardt and Hannah Carson, while Sierra Kersten registered a career-best four RBI.
» RHP Alex Storako improved to 8-0 with five strikeouts through three shutout innings.

Site: Elon, N.C. (Hunt Softball Park)
Score: #19 Michigan 11, Elon 3 (5 innings)
Records: U-M (9-5), Elon (9-4)
Next U-M Event: Tuesday, March 1 -- at North Carolina (Chapel Hill, N.C.), 5 p.m.

ELON, N.C. -- The No. 19-ranked University of Michigan softball team rolled to its first run-rule victory of the season, defeating Elon 11-3 in five innings Monday evening (Feb. 28) at Hunt Softball Park.

The Wolverines posted double-digit runs for the second straight game, and eight players combined for 14 total hits. Graduate student outfielder Kristina Burkhardt and senior catcher Hannah Carson registered three hits and three runs apiece. Carson added three runs batted in, while sophomore second baseman Sierra Kersten went 2-for-4 with a career-best four RBI.

Senior RHP Alex Storako (8-0) earned the start and the win, striking out five Phoenix batters while allowing one run and two walks through three shutout innings.

Michigan scored three runs apiece in the first and second innings and pushed the game into run-rule territory with a five-spot in the fourth. Carson and Kersten, who recorded two homers each at the Duke Invitational last weekend, provided the initial lead with two outs in the opening frame. Kersten broke it open with a two-run looped single over the second baseman's head into right-center.

Carson also provided a pop with a two-run double to left-center in the second before coming home when junior first baseman Lauren Esman banged an RBI single off the leaping shortstop's glove.

The Wolverines used three consecutive singles to load the bases with no outs in the fourth, then plated runs on the next three at-bats, including a roped Kersten double over the rightfielder's head for two. Junior outfielder Audrey LeClair legged out an RBI single to second to cap U-M's scoring after an out.

Elon spoiled the shutout bid with two outs in the fifth, stringing together a couple walks before driving a two-run homer over the left-field wall. Freshman RHP Annabelle Widra, who struck out the side in the fourth, reentered to fan another Phoenix batter for the final out.

The Wolverines (9-5) will wrap up their tour of the Tar Heel State against North Carolina at 5 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, March 1) at Anderson Stadium in Chapel Hill. The game will be broadcast live on the ACC Network.