When Michigan was trailing Notre Dame in the sixth inning by a score of 8-3, things looked bleak. With their season on the line, the Wolverines needed to make a comeback and fast. Although they did rally in their first game on Saturday (against Kentucky), it wasn't enough. They lost and were put in an elimination game against Notre Dame as a result.
Down 8-3, Michigan's second rally of the day began with a Marley Powers double. Following a walk and a wild pitch, Michigan had runners on second and third. A single by Amy Knapp didn't score any runs, but it did load the bases. Bree Evans was up to bat next, and her single did bring Powers home. Another single brought in another run, as did a walk to Dorian Shaw. Amanda Chidester flew out to right field for a sacrifice fly, and a single by Ashley Lane brought in the game-tying run.
Powers, who started the rally, came back up to bat with two outs and two on base. Unlike the first game of the day, Michigan's rally didn't come up short this time. In fact, this rally put Michigan on top, 9-8, when Powers singled in the go-ahead run.
The Wolverines made it through the top of the seventh unscathed for the 9-8 victory. The win means Michigan's season is still alive for another day. The Wolverines will play Kentucky on Sunday at 1 p.m. If the Wildcats are victorious, they will move on to the next round of the 2011 NCAA softball tournament. If Michigan wins, a third and deciding game between these two teams will be played at approximately 3:30 p.m.
To move on, Michigan needs a pair of wins over Kentucky on Sunday.