Feb. 13, 2013
STANFORD, Calif. - The 20th-ranked Stanford softball team run-ruled Santa Clara, 8-0 in five innings, Wednesday, in its home opener at Smith Family Stadium. The Cardinal improves to 5-2 overall, while Broncos drop to 0-3.
Senior center fielder Sarah Hassman tallied two hits, including a double and the walk-off single, and drove in three runs. Freshman catcher Jessica Plaza also registered a double and a single with two RBI, while senior second baseman Tegan Schmidt and junior designated player Danielle Miller each recorded an RBI for the Cardinal.
Senior pitcher Teagan Gerhart improved to 3-1 in the circle. She allowed just one hit and one walk to pick up her first shutout of the season, and finished with four strikeouts. Santa Clara's Jessica Turner took the loss, falling to 0-1.
Stanford scored its first run in the bottom of the second inning. Plaza singled up the middle and then was replaced at first base by pinch runner Tylyn Wells. Wells then stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error by Broncos catcher Chiara Biagini. Then, a fielder's choice by senior Schmidt scored Wells.
The Cardinal increased its lead to 4-0, scoring three runs in the bottom of the third inning. Senior Jenna Rich, who reached on a walk, scored on an illegal pitch. Plaza then brought home sophomore Erin Ashby and Miller with a double to left field.
Stanford tacked on two more run in the fourth as Hassman hit a two-run double to left centerfield which scored junior right fielder Corey Hanewich and pinch runner Alyssa Lombard.
In the bottom of the fifth, Ashby led off with a triple to right field. Sophomore left fielder Leah White drew a walk to put runners on the corners. Miller singled through the left side to score Ashby. Then, with two outs, Hassman hit a walk-off single to right center field to score White and put the run-rule into effect.
The Cardinal will remain at home this weekend hosting the Stanford Nike Invitational, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 15-17. Participating teams include CSU Bakersfield, Cal State Northridge, Santa Clara and UC Davis. Admission to all home regular season games is free.