February 13, 1999
STANFORD, Calif. - In a wild 11-inning softball game played on Saturday afternoon, the University of Pacific defeated 14th-ranked Stanford, 3-1. With the victory, Pacific improved to 2-0, whie Stanford dropped to 2-1.
Through seven innings of regulation, the game was scoreless. However, the Tigers broke through with a single run in the top of the ninth. The fist two UOP batters reached base safely in that inning. After the third batter struck out, both runners advanced on a grounder to first base. With the runners at second and third and two outs, an infield single by Tiffany Heilbut brought home pitcher Brandee McArthur with the first run.
Stanford was not to be outdone as it countered with a run in the bottom of the inning. Senior Michele Acosta started the rally by leading off with a single to center field. Kelly Yablonski was then brought in to pinch run for Acosta. With no outs, senior Michelle Schneider doubled, sending Yablonski to third. One out later, Yablonski attempted to steal home on a failed squeeze play. However, UOP catcher Erica Reynolds dropped the ball allowing Yablonski to score.
Two innings later, Pacific put the game away in a similar fashion. With two outs, the Tigers had runners on first and third with Heilbut at the plate. This time, Heilbut layed down a bunt that third baseman Shane Anderson mishandled, allowing Reynolds to score. The next batter, Michelle Cordos, then singled home Angele Alves for the third and final run.
Both starting pitchers were magnificent as they each went the distance. Pacific's Brandee McArthur took the win after sriking out 13 and giving up no earned runs. Stanford's Becky Blevins was just as impressive as she also struck out 13 on the way to giving up just five hits and one earned run.
The two teams played only one game of the scheduled doubleheader today. The second game was not played due to rain.
Stanford's next game is tomorrow afternoon, February 14th, when the team hosts Saint Mary's in a doubleheader starting at 1:00 pm.