Northwestern brought a 9-16 nonconference record into today's B1G opener at No. 2 Michigan (who entered 22-2). Things seemed to be going according to form, as the Wolverines held leads of 6-0 after three innings and 7-2 after four (box score, game article). The Wildcats exploded for 7 in the fifth and 4 in the sixth, to take a 13-7 lead. UM then rallied for 5 in the bottom of the seventh, but it wasn't enough, as Northwestern prevailed 13-12. The same teams play again Saturday and Sunday.
Stanford pitching ace NiJaree Canady has reportedly entered the transfer portal ( link ), having completed two seasons in the circle for the Cardinal. Stanford has made the WCWS in both of Canady's seasons on the team. Another school hit hard by the transfer portal is the University of Washington, with an exodus of eight Huskies . This list of the top ten players in the portal includes four from UW. Today is the final day of the 30-day window for players to enter the portal.