Desbois Walk-Off Downs Spartans in Eighth, 4-3

Tuesday, March 10

Raleigh, N.C.

4:00 PM

NC State

9-7

Michigan State

8-9

Michigan State

NC State

3/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

RALEIGH, N.C.  A walk-off home run from Bridget Desbois lifted NC State softball over Michigan State, 4-3, in eight innings during the first of two games at the Curtis & Jacqueline Dail Softball Stadium on Tuesday, March 10. The win moves the Pack to 9-7 on the year, while the Spartans dip to 8-9.

Hannah Ojeda went 3-for-4 at the plate for State, pushing two RBIs across the board. Desbois’ home run was her second on the season.

Lindsay Campana (5-3) picked up her fifth win, tossing a complete game and allowing just one earned run while striking out seven. Megan Hair (2-3) took the loss.

The Spartans put a runner on third in the top of the first but failed to cash in. Jessica Bracamonte drove the second pitch of the ball game into the gap in right-center for a double, instantly moving to third on a Kara Weigle sac-bunt. But Campana caught Lindsey Hansen looking before inducing an inning-ending groundout to short from Lauren Kramer.

Alyssa Ishibashi and Ojeda opened the bottom of the first with back-to-back base hits, but Allison Presnell struck out swinging and a Kristine Bechtholdt liner back to the circle resulted in Ojeda getting doubled-up at first.

State put up three runs in the bottom of the second, taking an early lead. Desbois reached on an error at short and a pitch hit Stephanie Call. Landon Warren followed by mashing an RBI double into right-center, scoring Desbois and putting runners on second and third. A free pass to Ishibashi loaded the bases, and an Ojeda single into the right field gap brought in two more runs.

That lead was short lived as Michigan State put up three runs on four hits in the top of the third. Melanie Bensema knocked Campana’s first pitch over the wall in center to start the inning, Karen Fox scored on a passed ball, and Lauren Kramer added an RBI single.

State loaded the bags in the bottom of the seventh, but couldn’t take advantage. Ojeda singled to short, Presnell drew a free pass and the Spartans issued an intentional walk to Bechtholdt, but Alyssa Allbritten popped up to second.

After the Spartans failed to inflict any damage in the top of the eighth, Desbois decided to end the game herself with one swing of the bat, driving a Hair pitch out of the park in left field.

NC State and Michigan State will begin game two shortly.