May 1, 2012
STANFORD, Calif. - The 19th-ranked Stanford softball team defeated Santa Clara, 12-1 in five innings, Tuesday, at Smith Family Stadium. The Cardinal improves to 33-16 overall, while the Broncos drop to 11-43.
Junior pitcher Teagan Gerhart earned the win, moving to 28-10 overall. She finished with three strikeouts while allowing just one run on six hits. Santa Clara's Carissa Theis took the loss, falling to 5-11 overall.
Stanford freshman Cassandra Roulund led the team offensively, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and a home run for a season-high five RBI. Senior catcher Maya Burns was 2-for-3 with four RBI for the Cardinal.
Stanford came out fired up, scoring six runs in the bottom of the first inning. With the bases loaded, junior Jenna Rich hit an infield single to score Hanna Winter. A single up the middle by Burns brought home Leah White and Ashley Hansen. Roulund then doubled to left center, scoring Rich and Burns.
Roulund registered her second double of the game with two outs in the bottom of the second. She scored on a single up the middle by senior Jenna Becerra.
The Broncos avoided the shutout in the third inning as left fielder Briana Knight ripped a double to right centerfield, scoring Jamie Wallis from first.
The Cardinal scored five more runs in the bottom of the third, all with two outs. With the bases loaded, Burns singled to left field, scoring Corey Hanewich and White. Roulund then hit a three-run shot to right field to clear the bases. It marked the second homer of the season for the freshman.
Stanford will wrap-up the home portion of its schedule this weekend, playing host to No. 14 Washington May 4-6. The Cardinal and Huskies will square off on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at Noon at Smith Family Stadium. Sunday's game is Senior Day and the Cardinal will honor its three seniors prior to the game.