Top-Ranked Michigan Hands DePaul 3-0 Setback At Women's College World Series

Tracie Adix

Top-ranked Michigan blanked DePaul 3-0 in game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium on Thursday in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Wolverines scored a pair of first-inning runs and used a 12-strikeout effort by starting pitcher Jennie Ritter, who limited the Blue Demons to just three hits, to secure the win.

The Wolverines used a pair of hits and a fielding error in the opening frame to claim a quick 2-0 lead. Michigan DH Nicole Motycka laced a single to rightfield that was misplayed by Ashley Parker allowing Alessandra Giampaolo and Jessie Merchant to both score on the single.

23rd-ranked DePaul threatened in the third loading the bases on Ritter with a trio of hits, but the junior was able to strikeout Sandy Vojik to keep the Blue Demons off the scoreboard.

Catcher Kara Amundson started the rally with a single through the middle, however pinch runner Kate Hanson was thrown out at the plate trying to score on a come-backer off the bat of Dana Kenney. Shortstop Jessica Evans and Parker also singled in the frame.

The Blue Demons’ second error of the game in the fourth extended the Wolverines’ at-bat as second baseman Tiffany Haas came through with a two-out sacrifice fly. Ritter did not allow a hit before or after the third inning as she improved to 34-2 on the season.

DePaul had its last decent chance to score in the sixth after Kenney walked and moved to second on a sacrifice hit by Parker. However, she became the second Blue Demon tossed out at the plate after she tried to advance from third after an overthrow.

DePaul starter Tracie Adix allowed three runs, only one of which was earned, on four hits to take the loss and fall to 23-9 this season. The Blue Demons will face the loser of the Texas-Alabama contest, which followed their game on Thursday evening. That contest is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m., CDT.