May 11, 2013
STANFORD, Calif. - The 13th-ranked Stanford softball team dropped a 4-3 decision in nine innings to visiting Arizona, Saturday, at Smith Family Stadium. The Cardinal finishes the regular season 37-19 overall and 13-11 in the Pac-12. The Wildcats move to 32-24 overall and 9-15 in the conference.
Freshman Kayla Bonstrom led the team offensively, going 2-for-2 with two RBI and a career high three walks. Two of the walks were intentional by the Wildcats. Sophomore Leah White finished 2-for-4, including an RBI double, while sophomore Hanna Winter also tallied two hits.
Senior pitcher Teagan Gerhart took the loss in the circle, dropping to 19-11. She allowed just one run on six hits. Sophomore Nyree White gave up two runs in 0.1 innings, while freshman Kelsey Stevens issued four walks and allowed one run. Arizona's Estela Pinon earned the win, improving to 12-8.
Bonstrom's two-run triple gave the Cardinal the early advantage in the bottom of the first inning. It marked the first career triple for the rookie and the team's 19th overall which is the second-most in a single season.
Arizona tied it up in the top of the sixth on consecutive RBI singles up the middle by Hallie Wilson and Chelsea Suitos.
With its backs against the wall in the bottom of the seventh, the Cardinal forced extra innings as White hit an RBI double to left field, scoring senior Sarah Hassman, tying the game 3-3.
A solo home run by Arizona catcher Chelsea Goodacre in the top of the ninth was the game-winner for the Wildcats. Stanford loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but was unable to push a run across.
Stanford's four seniors, Gerhart, Hassman, Jenna Rich and Tegan Schmidt were honored in a pregame Senior Day ceremony.
Stanford will learn its postseason fate on Sunday, May 12. The NCAA selection show will air on ESPNU at 7 p.m. PT.