March 3, 2013
FULLERTON, Calif. - The 15th-ranked Stanford softball team blanked Indiana 7-0, Sunday, at the final day of the Easton Invitational in Fullerton, Calif. The Cardinal improves to 17-5 overall, while the Hoosiers drop to 10-10.
Senior pitcher Teagan Gerhart picked up the win in the circle, moving to 8-3 on the year. She finished with five strikeouts and allowed just two hits in 5.0 innings. Sophomore Nyree White replaced Gerhart in the sixth inning, recording two strikeouts, finishing the game in relief. Meaghan Murphy took the loss for the Hoosiers, falling to 5-6.
The Cardinal bats came alive in the top of the second inning, where senior Jenna Rich led off with a home run to centerfield. Sophomore right fielder Cassandra Roulund doubled to left center, and then was brought home by freshman Kayla Bonstrom, who hit a double to centerfield. Bonstrom gave Stanford a 3-0 lead as she scored on an RBI single to by freshman Kaitlin Schaberg.
Three errors by the Hoosiers in the top of the third inning, allowed the Cardinal to score to more runs and increase its lead to 5-0. Sophomore Leah White reached on an error when Indiana centerfielder Samantha Heyman dropped a fly ball. White was able to score when Indiana right fielder Bri Meyer also dropped a fly ball hit by Roulund. Sophomore catcher Erin Ashby then singled to centerfield, scoring Roulund.
Stanford added two more runs in the fourth inning. Senior Sarah Hassman hit an RBI single up the middle to score designated player Tylyn Wells. Hassman then scored as Rich reached on a fielder's choice.
A fielding error by Bonstrom allowed Indiana to get runners on the corners in the bottom of the fifth, but Gerhart got out of the jam to keep the shutout intact.
Nyree White entered the game in relief for the Cardinal in the bottom of the sixth inning. After allowing a lead-off walk, she struck out the next three batters to keep the momentum in favor of Stanford.
Up next, the Cardinal plays a mid-week game at UC Davis on Wednesday, March 6 before hosting the Stanford Louisville Slugger Classic at Smith Family Stadium, March 8-10. All regular season home games are free.