April 1, 2005
Ann Arbor, MI – The University of Iowa softball team upset the number one ranked Michigan Wolverines on Friday, 5-2. Iowa ended Michigan’s 32 game winning streak which was the longest winning streak in the nation and in Michigan school history.
The Hawkeyes scored all five of their runs in the top of the second inning. Sami Baugh led off the inning with a double and advanced to third after a Kylie Murray single. Abby Ruff then doubled down the left field line, scoring Baugh and Jenna Spratt, who pinch ran for Murray. Mindy Heidgerken singled to left and advanced to second after the Michigan outfielder tried to pick off Ruff at third. The throw from the outfielder went pass the third baseman and Ruff scored. Heidgerken took home on a wild pitch and Summer Downs hit a solo home run for the final run of the inning.
Michigan struck back in the bottom half of the second when Grace Leutele hit a two-run home run over the center field fence, but solid defense helped Iowa maintain the lead. The Hawkeyes did not commit an error in the contest.
Iowa handed Michigan pitcher Lorilyn Wilson her first loss of the season. Prior to today’s game, Wilson had allowed only two earned runs in 63 innings of work.
Lisa Birocci picked up her 17th win of the season and threw her 16th complete game. The senior allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out six. Birocci did not walk a batter in the contest.
The last time Iowa defeated a top ranked team was in 2002. The Hawkeye knocked off UCLA, 1-0 at the National Invitational Softball Tournament in San Jose, CA.
Iowa will face Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor. Game time is set for 11 a.m.