Softball Sweeps Michigan State

Sunday, April 5

Piscataway, N.J.

12:00 PM

Rutgers

19-9, 0

Michigan State

16-20, 0

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Michigan State	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	2	9	1
Rutgers	0	0	2	0	3	0	X	5	6	1

Apr 05 | Softball

Box Score

April 5, 2015

Final Stats

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (April 5, 2015) -- In its inaugural Big Ten series "On the Banks," Rutgers softball swept Michigan State, wrapping the three-game set with a 5-2 victory in the finale on Sunday afternoon at the RU Softball Complex.

"It's great to get a sweep in your first series at home," said head coach Jay Nelson. "It feels great and everyone is pumped about it. It was a really good weekend."

The Scarlet Knights improved to an overall record of 19-9 and a conference mark of 7-2, while the Spartans fall to a record of 16-20 and a league mark of 1-7.

Junior Melanie Slowinski (Severn, Md.) led RU with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate, including two RBIs.

After two scoreless innings from either side, Slowinski registered a two-out single to drive in seniors Chandler Howard (North Wilmington, N.J.) and Jackie Bates (Lincroft, N.J.), giving RU a 2-0 lead.

Following four scoreless frames from senior Alyssa Landrith (Vacaville, Calif.), the Spartans got one across in the top of the fifth to make it a one-run contest.

The Scarlet Knights responded with a three-run inning via three hits to extend its lead to 5-1. Junior Jordan Whitley (Clayton, Del.) added the first run of the inning, hustling home on a wild pitch. With runners on second and third, sophomore Carly Todd (Deptford, N.J.) notched a single to bring in freshman pinch runner Jacqueline Kott (Burlington, N.J.) and Slowinski.

Landrith, last week's Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, then worked out of a jam in the top of the sixth to strand two Spartan runners on, sustaining RU's 5-1 advantage.

Michigan State's Stephanie Sanders registered a home run in the top of the seventh, but that is all the Spartans were able to get across in the final inning.

Landrith (10-5) recorded the victory for RU to complete the sweep over MSU.

KNIGHT NOTES

Rutgers earned its first Big Ten sweep over Michigan State in its home debut. After RU claimed a 6-5 walk-off win and a thrilling 22-17 victory, the Scarlet Knights wrapped up the series with a 5-2 win over the Spartans.
RU has won three consecutive series since opening league action, including series wins over Indiana and Purdue.
The Scarlet Knights extended their win streak to six games, marking the longest stretch in 2015.
Alyssa Landrith registered her 10th win of the season, bringing her career total to 62 wins. The lefty moved into a tie for the second-place spot on Rutgers' all-time career wins list and is three wins shy of tying for the top spot.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics ) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers softball, follow the program on Twitter (@RUSoftball) and Instagram (@RU_Softball). The team is also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersSB ).

- RU-