STANFORD, Calif. - No. 9 Stanford produced a five-run third inning and NiJaree Canady was dominant in her NCAA debut, highlighting an 8-0 rout of Florida on Saturday afternoon in a game that was decided after six innings.
Hosting its first NCAA Regional at Smith Family Stadium in 12 years and cheered wildly by an enthusiastic sold-out crowd, Stanford (42-13) delivered its second straight shutout, less than 24 hours following Alana Vawter's gem in last night's 1-0 opener against Long Beach State.
The nation's leader in ERA and strikeouts per seven innings, Canady continued her impressive rookie season in which she established a reputation as of the best pitchers in the country. Working quickly and efficiently, Canady improved to 15-1 in the circle, allowing only two hits without a walk while striking out nine, as Florida was overwhelmed from the start and struggled to make good contact.
Even a few runs would have been enough for Canady, however the Cardinal blew the game open with five runs in the third inning. The rally began when Aly Kaneshiro belted her seventh home run of the season, a two-run shot that extended Stanford's lead to 3-0.
Later in the inning, Emily Young scored on a wild pitch before Sydney Steele's two-run double plated Emily Schultz and Kaitlyn Lim for a 6-0 advantage.
Stanford tacked on insurance runs in the fourth on a bases loaded walk and in the seventh when Kaneshiro scored on a fielding error.
Kaneshiro also added a double and paced the Cardinal offensive attack with two hits.
Stanford booked a spot in Sunday's regional final and will await its opponent with two games remaining on Saturday's schedule. The Cardinal will need to be beaten twice.
The Cardinal improved to 49-43 in NCAA competition and is attempting to advance to NCAA Super Regionals in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2008-09.