Feb. 11, 2007
Phoenix, Ariz. - The No. 8/9 Cardinal softball team rallied past the Northwestern State Demons today, with an 8-0 win in the final game of the Kajikawa Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. Stanford used a five-run fourth inning and a grand slam home run by Erin Howe to pick up the squad's third win of the season. Stanford finished its first weekend of action with a 3-2 overall record.
Stanford started its offensive rally in the second inning. With two outs, Missy Penna singled through the left side. The sophomore stole second base, and was driven around by a hit to right field by Howe.
The Cardinal broke the game open in the fourth inning. Maddy Coon cracked a stand-up double to lead off the inning, and Rosey Neill walked. Penna loaded the bases, reaching on an error by the Demon shortstop. Howe came up to the plate and took advantage of the opportunity, blasting a grand slam home run over the right field fence. The home run was Howe's second of the weekend, and boosted her weekend total to nine RBI. Right fielder Anna Beardman kept the Cardinal alive, earning a two out walk and quickly stole second base to put herself in scoring position. Alissa Haber stepped up with a single to right field to drive Beardman in and give the Cardinal a 6-0 lead.
Coon added one more run for the Cardinal an inning later, driving a solo home run to right field to lead off the fifth inning.
Stanford finished things off in the bottom of the sixth. Shannon Koplitz and Haber walked and advanced to third and second, respectively, on a wild pitch. A sacrifice fly by Jackie Rinehart score Koplitz and ended the game by the eight-run rule.
Howe went 3-for-3 with five RBI in the game and Coon tallied two hits. Penna picked up her first shutout of the season in the circle, with six strikeouts.
Stanford continues play on Tuesday, opening the home season with a game against Sacramento State at Boyd and Jill Smith Family Stadium. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.