The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/299859
OLYMPIC SPORTS racked up an incredible 11 shutout victories, dominating opponents both offensively and defensively. Michigan (36-7 overall) also tore through the opening of its Big Ten slate, with a 14-1 start to conference play, the lone loss coming in a three- game series against Minnesota. The Wolverines recorded sweeps of Indiana (8-0, 9-1 and 12-3) March 21-22; Penn State (6-0, 22-0 and 12-4) March 28-29; Ohio State (1-0, 10-0 and 9-1) April 4-6; and Michigan State (9-1, 8-0 and 14-0) April 11-13. The quick start in conference play gave the Wolverines a three-game lead over Nebraska (33-13 overall, 11-4 Big Ten) and Purdue (24-21-1, 11-4) in the conference standings as of April 21, with eight games to go. The Wolverines have done it both offensively and defensively. On the mound, Michigan has relied on its trio of steady pitchers to shut down opponents. Junior Haylie Wagner has led the way, with a 20-1 record in 24 appearances and 16 starts. In 119 innings pitched, Wagner had allowed just 78 hits while striking out 97 and compiling an impressive 0.94 ERA. Fellow junior Sara Driesenga posted a 5-3 record with a 1.93 ERA in Freshman Megan Betsa has been part of a dominant U-M pitching staff, compiling an 11-3 record and 1.85 ERA while striking out 104 in her first 20 appearances (15 starts). PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS