April 18, 2011
STANFORD, Calif. - The No. 11/12 Stanford softball team (30-8) heads to Stockton, Calif., Tuesday, Apr. 19 to take on the Pacific Tigers. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. from Bill Simoni Field.
Stanford and Pacific (27-14) were originally scheduled to play in late March at the Stanford Invitational. However, due to rain in the Bay Area, the Cardinal and Tigers rescheduled for Apr. 19.
Stanford is currently on a six-game winning streak after sweeping Pac-10 foe Oregon State at home last weekend. Outfielder Sarah Hassman led the team last week with a .625 batting average. The junior scored seven runs, drew six walks and successfully stole five bases in four games. She finished the week with a .800 on-base percentage and a .625 slugging percentage.
Sophomore Jenna Rich and senior Melisa Koutz were also solid at the plate last week for the Cardinal. Rich hit .417 in the four games, while Koutz posted a .400 batting average. The pair combined for nine hits, including three doubles, three runs scored and five RBI.
In the circle, sophomore Teagan Gerhart recorded a 0.00 ERA on the week, earning two wins and a save with two complete games. The Norco, Calif., native struck out 15 batters, while allowing just eight hits, one walk and no earned runs. Senior Ashley Chinn picked up the other two wins on the week.
Pacific went 2-1 last week in a three-game series at Cal State Northridge in Big West Conference play. The Tigers are now 6-3 in their conference.
Pacific is led by a pair of underclassmen - sophomore Nikki Armagost and freshman Kelsey Rodriguez. Armagost leads the team with 35 RBI and is hitting .372 on the season, while Rodriquez is pacing the sqaud with a .402 average, including 35 hits and 14 RBI. Additionally, junior Nicole Matson leads the team with eight home runs and has 34 RBI on the year.
Stanford holds a 20-10 all-time record over Pacific. The Cardinal defeated the Tigers, 6-0, last season and is currently on a five-game winning streak against UOP.