Virginia Softball Upsets No. 4 Michigan, 2-1

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BATON ROUGE, La. – The Virginia softball team (2-4) upset fourth-ranked Michigan (5-3) by a score of 2-1 Saturday at the Tiger Classic in Baton Rouge, La.

The win advanced the Cavaliers to the championship contest of the 2010 Tiger Classic. Virginia will play host and 19th-ranked LSU at 10 a.m. Sunday.

After going 0-3 during round-robin play, the Cavaliers drew the No. 4 seed in the championship draw, earning a rematch with No. 1 seed Michigan, who previously defeated Virginia 13-0 on Friday in the opener.

Senior Sarah Tacke’s second home run of the year proved to be the game-winner. She hit a solo shot to center in the top of the fourth inning.

Freshman pitcher Melanie Mitchell tossed all seven innings, allowing one run on just three hits. She also struck out two and walked two.

Michigan was first to score, picking up a run in the bottom of the first inning. Bree Evans led off the game will a walk and advanced to second on a groundout. A flyout to center then moved her over to third. With two outs, Maggie Viefhaus then walked and stole second – the Wolverines would score their lone run on a double steal as Evans was safe at home plate.

The Cavaliers were able to tie the game in the third. With one out, senior Abby Snyder doubled down the right field line. Alison Pittman then earned a bunt single, advancing Snyder over to third. Like Michigan did in the first, Virginia attempted the double steal as Pittman took off for second and Snyder was able to come in to knot the game, 1-1.

Tacke finished with two of Virginia’s four hits in the winning effort.

Earlier in the day, the Cavaliers fell to Oklahoma State, 5-2. LSU then beat the Cowgirls 5-2 to advance to the championship game.