April 9, 2011
LOS ANGELES - The 13th-ranked Stanford softball team dropped the series opener at No. 6 UCLA, 6-5, in a 14 inning marathon at Easton Stadium. The Cardinal falls to 0-4 in the Pac-10 and 24-8 overall, while the Bruins improve to 4-0 in the conference and 28-7 overall.
Sophomore pitcher Teagan Gerhart threw a career high 13.0 innings, finishing with 12 strikeouts in the contest. Senior Ashley Chinn took the loss, falling to 11-2 on the year. UCLA relief pitcher Aleah Macon went 8.2 innings and earned the win, moving to 3-0 on the season.
Freshman right fielder Corey Hanewich led the team with a double, a triple and four RBI, while junior shortstop Ashley Hansen tallied two hits and registered an RBI on a sacrifice fly. Junior first baseman Jenna Becerra finished with three hits, two runs scored and a walk.
Stanford came out fired up, loading the bases in the top of the first inning. Junior Sarah Hassman drew a walk to lead off the inning. She then registered her 21st stolen base of the season and advanced to third on a throwing error by UCLA catcher Alyssa Tiumalu. Hansen posted the Cardinal's first hit of the game, an infield single, and then stole second. Sophomore Jenna Rich drew the second walk of the inning, four straight balls by Kerr. Unfortunately, Stanford was unable to capitalize, stranding all three runners on base.
The Cardinal threatened again in the second, but was unable to score and left two runners on base. Meanwhile, Gerhart retired the first six UCLA hitters in order, tallying two strikeouts.
Stanford finally got on the board in the fourth inning. Freshman Michelle Prong singled up the middle to lead off for the Cardinal. Junior first baseman Jenna Becerra then laid down a perfect bunt to put two runners on base. After Gerhart walked, Hassman reached on a fielder's choice as Prong was out at the plate. With the bases still loaded and two outs, Hanewich cleared the bases with her second triple of the season to put Stanford up 3-0.
UCLA answered in the bottom of the fourth as left fielder Andrea Harrison cut the Cardinal lead to one with a two-run homer that was just fair inside the right field pole.
Stanford again loaded the bases in the sixth inning. Becerra reached on a fielding error by UCLA third baseman GiOnna DiSalvatore. Hassman then drew her second walk of the game and Hanewich was hit in the back by Kerr to load the bases. With just one out Hansen recorded her third sacrifice fly of the season to bring home Becerra and give Stanford the 4-2 advantage.
Gerhart held strong in the bottom half of the inning, retiring the Bruins in order. Hansen made two tough plays at shortstop to keep Stanford on top, 4-2.
In the bottom of the seventh, UCLA rallied to force extra innings. Tiumalu hit a two-run shot to left field to tie the score at 4-4.
In the bottom of the ninth, UCLA shortstop Kellie Fox singled and then advanced all the way to third as Hassman misplayed the ball in center field. After first baseman Dani Yudin walked still with one out, the Cardinal intentionally walked Tiumalu to load the bases and create a force-out situation at any base. Designated player Samantha Camuso popped up to Hansen for the second out of the inning and then freshman Jessica Hall, pinch hitting for Talee Snow, struck out swinging to end the inning.
The Cardinal finally broke the tie in the top of the 13th inning. Sophomore Alix Van Zandt pinch hit for Gerhart and singled up the middle. Gerhart re-entered the game and stole second to move into scoring position. Hanewich then registered her fourth RBI of the game with a double to right centerfield to put Stanford up 5-4.
UCLA answered in the bottom of the 13th as right fielder B.B. Bates hit an RBI single to right field to knot up the score at 5-5.
The Cardinal pulled Gerhart in the 14th inning, replacing her with Chinn. The Bruins had one hit left in them as Harrison hit a walk-off home run, her second of the game, to give UCLA the 6-5 win.
The Cardinal and Bruins will square off for the second game of the series, Saturday, Apr. 9. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Easton Stadium.