April 11, 2012
LOS ANGELES - The 15th-ranked Stanford softball team fell to No. 16 UCLA, 5-2, in the series finale, Wednesday, at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles. The Cardinal drops to 29-12 overall and 3-9 in the Pac-12, while the Bruins improve to 27-11overall and 4-5 in the conference.
Junior pitcher Teagan Gerhart earned the start in the circle, dropping to 24-7 overall. She finished with two strikeouts, but allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits. UCLA's Ally Carda earned the win, moving to 12-4 overall. Jessica Hall picked up her fourth save of the year for the Bruins.
A two-run shot to centerfield by UCLA right fielder B.B. Bates gave the Bruins a 2-0 advantage after the first inning of play.
The Bruins added to their lead in the bottom of the second as Carda hit an RBI single through the left side to score shortstop Kellie Fox.
Freshman Hanna Winter led off the fourth win an infield single. She advanced all the way to third as Carda was called for two illegal pitches. However, Stanford was unable to bring her home and the score remained 3-0 in favor of UCLA.
The Bruins tacked on another run in the bottom of the fourth as designated player Samantha Camuso hit a solo shot to left field.
Stanford got on the board in the top of the sixth inning. Winter led off with a single up the middle. After moving to second on an illegal pitch by Carda, she advanced to third and freshman Leah White also singled up the middle. Winter scored on a double by senior Ashley Hansen, but White was thrown out at the plate. After a pitching change by UCLA brought in Hall, she was called for two illegal pitches, which scored Hansen and brought the score to 4-2.
UCLA tacked on its final run in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single by third baseman Stephany LaRosa.
The Cardinal will have a quick turnaround as it plays host to Oregon State, Apr. 13-15, at Smith Family Stadium. Friday's game is slated for 7 p.m., while Saturday is scheduled for 1 p.m. and Sunday is set for Noon PT.