Around the Horn: Badgers set for Minnesota double-header

Wednesday, April 17

Minneapolis, MN

3 PM

Wisconsin Badgers

University of Minnesota

Ava Kuszak flashes heart during Home Run

Photo by: Nolan Kromke

Around the Horn: Badgers set for Minnesota double-header

April 16, 2024 | Softball

Both Wednesday games to air on Big Ten Network

By: Jake Ross

MADISON, Wis. – After winning their series at home against Ohio State, the Wisconsin softball team (15-23, 4-8) is back on the road for a Wednesday double-header matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota currently sits at fifth in the conference, while Wisconsin is at tenth. Both games of the double-header will be aired on the Big Ten Network.

Here's what you need to know:

1. THE AMAZING AVA – Wisconsin scored 23 runs in their series against Ohio State. It was an offensive breakout led by Ava Kuszak. The sophomore went 6-for-11 over the three games, getting three extra-base hits. Kuszak hit home runs in the second and third games of the series. Of the 23 runs for Wisconsin in the series, Kuszak scored five of them, and drove in nine. On the season, the shortstop leads the team in average, OPS, hits, and doubles.

2. WALLOPING WELLS – Catcher Emmy Wells was another Wisconsin hitter who dealt damage to Ohio State over the weekend. The transfer from Northern Iowa hit a home run in back-to-back games, each one in the first inning. She now has 11 long balls in the season, the most for any Wisconsin player since 2019. Wells is one home run away from tying Chloe Miller's record for most home runs in their debut season with the team. In fact, Wells sits tied for fifth on the single-season home run leader board, with 13 games remaining to catch up to Kayla Konwent's record of 15.

3. MINNESOTA MASHERS – Wisconsin played Minnesota five times in the last two years, with two players in particular finding success. Peyton Bannon is 4-for-11 in her career against Minnesota with both a double and a triple. Bannon is also coming off a red-hot series against Ohio State, driving in five runners while going 5-for-10 at the plate. Fiona Girardot also has an impressive resume against the Gophers. The senior has two games going 2-for-3, and owns a .714 career on-base percentage in her games against Minnesota.

4. MONITORING MINNESOTA – Wisconsin trails in the all-time series against Minnesota 31-25. They have struggled in recent years with just one win in the last 12 games between the two teams, which was the first game of the 2022 Big Ten Tournament. Last season's series against the Gophers was a double-header, with Minnesota winning both games. The Gophers are 21-18 overall this season, with a 7-5 conference record, and were recently swept by Indiana in their last series. The Gophers have the second highest team batting average in the conference, with six qualified hitters that sport a .300 average. This includes Jess Oakland's conference leading .468 average. Oakland is also top two in the conference in OPS, runs scored, RBI, hits, and walks. On the flip side, Minnesota has the second worst ERA in the conference, Bri Enter is their only starter with a sub-4.00 ERA, currently sitting at 3.18. Minnesota saves a few runs with their defense however, they've made the second fewest errors in the conference, and have the best fielding percentage.

5. HOW TO WATCH – Both of the Wednesday games will be aired on the Big Ten Network, the first at 3 PM CT and the second at 5 PM CT. Live stats for every game are available on the Badger softball schedule on uwbadgers.com, and live updates will be given on the @badgersoftball Facebook, X, and Instagram pages.