TEMPE, Ariz. – A seven-run third inning by No. 11/8 Arizona State was too much for No. 24/23 Stanford to overcome Sunday, as the Cardinal fell to the Sun Devils 9-0 in five innings.
After an explosive start to the series Saturday night in a game that included 31 runs, Stanford’s (23-10, 1-4 Pac-12) offense stalled, while Arizona State’s (29-5, 3-2 Pac-12) continued to roll. The Sun Devils recorded nine hits, three home runs and nine runs in the first three innings. The Cardinal had opportunities to get its offense going, producing six base runners, but did not generate the hit needed to get on the board.
Erin Ashby and Kaitlin Schaberg notched a hit apiece to lead the Cardinal. Schaberg’s hit was her first of the season. Kayla Bonstrom reached base in each of her at-bats with three walks.
Kylie Sorenson (2-2) started in the circle for Stanford and allowed five earned runs, two walks and six hits in 2.0 innings. Sorenson was relieved by Tylyn Wells in the third inning, who went 2.0 innings permitting three runs, three hits and two walks. Mackenzie Popescue (15-1) picked up the win for Arizona State.
Stanford had a chance to get on the board early with Bonstrom and Ashby reaching base in the first inning, however the Cardinal was unable to bring them home.
Arizona State capitalized on its first opportunity of the game, bringing in Alix Johnson on a sacrifice fly to center field in the bottom of the first. It was the first of three sacrifice flies on the day for the Sun Devils. Arizona State extended its lead in the second inning with a leadoff home run by Bethany Kemp.
Hanna Winter delivered the defensive play of the game in the bottom of the second, running from shortstop to the foul territory in left-field and making a full extension diving catch.
The Sun Devils rallied for seven runs in the third inning with seven hits, including two two-run home runs, to stretch its lead to 9-0.
Stanford put two runners on in the fourth and one in the fifth, but was unable to bring them home.
The Cardinal will look to take the series finale Monday at 4 p.m. (PT).