April 4, 2008
- Big Ten Network: Programming Schedule
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
- gohawks.com
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
Ann Arbor, MI – Junior Colleen McGlaughlin hit a two-run home run in the first inning to give Iowa a 2-1, upset win over fifth-ranked Michigan Friday. The Hawkeye win spoiled Michigan’s home opener at the newly-renovated Alumni Field and also snapped the Wolverines’ seven-game winning streak.
“We really got off to a great start and everyone was engaged right away,” Head Coach Gayle Blevins said. “I thought our pitching was outstanding and our defense, once again, was solid throughout the game. Colleen really got things started for us and we held on. I was really happy with the fact we didn’t get rattled when Michigan threatened. This was a great performance against a quality opponent today.”
Iowa jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in its first at-bat of the game, thanks to McGlaughlin’s two-run home run. With one out, sophomore Lindsey Digmann reached on a throwing error and McGlaughlin followed with a towering home run to right field off a 1-2 count. The early home run was McGlaughlin’s fourth of the season.
Michigan trimmed Iowa’s lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth. Back-to-back singles by Angela and Samantha Findlay started the inning. Samantha Findlay then scored on an RBI single by Dorian Shaw for Michigan’s first run of the contest.
The Wolverines made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh, but three Brittany Weil strikeouts ended the game. After Teddi Ewing singled to start the inning, Weil recorded two-straight strikeouts against the Wolverine leadoff and No. 2 hitter. Weil then hit Angela Findlay to put runners on first and second, with Samantha Findlay on deck. Weil ran the count full against Samantha Findlay, and nearly recorded a strikeout with a change-up, but the pitch missed just outside to load the bases with two outs. Weil then struck out Maggie Viefhaus to give Iowa the upset win.
“We wanted to get off to a fast start and we did that,” McGlaughlin said. “Brittany threw a great game and our defense never got flustered. It was such a great atmosphere and we are glad to come away with the big win.”
Weil threw her 14th complete game and improved her record to 13-9 with the win. She allowed one run on seven hits while striking out six.
“Colleen got us off to a great start, and I just wanted to keep them off the scoreboard,” Weil said. “Our defense made some great catches in a tough wind today. These are the close games we need to win to stay in the Big Ten race.”
Iowa’s defense was solid, stranding 10 Wolverine runners on base in the contest.
Iowa and fifth-ranked Michigan will play again Saturday at 11 a.m. (CDT). The game will be broadcast live on AM-800 KXIC.