Lead Image by Bob Drebin/ISIPhotos.com
BERKELEY, Calif. – Stanford started strong but could not overcome a tough day at the plate, dropping a 7-1 decision in the series finale at California on Monday afternoon.
The Cardinal (16-13, 0-3 Pac-12) produced a run and two hits in the top of the first inning but that was all it would get. Stanford drew a walk in the second inning and had a batter reach on an error in the third, but it could not produce a baserunner in the final four innings to cut into the Bears' lead.
It was a tough finish to the series for Stanford, which hit the ball hard throughout the game but often right at the defense.
Carolyn Lee (7-8) got the start in the circle and permitted five runs – four earned – on six hits and four walks in 3.2 innings.
Kiana Pancino came in as relief and held the Bears to two runs on two hits with two walks and a strikeout in 2.1 innings. Both runs allowed by Pancino came on a two-out two-strike two-run home run by California in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Teaghan Cowles had a busy day at third base and made multiple quality plays.
Tough finish to the series but a number of highlight-worthy individual efforts. #GoStanford https://t.co/JqBnBX0ygw
— Stanford Softball (@StanfordSball) March 28, 2017
Highlights from Stanford's series finale at California.
Stanford jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. With two outs and runners on first and second, Kristina Inouye hit a sharp grounder to the left side of the infield that California's shortstop was unable to handle.
Kylie Sorenson, who was on second, rounded third and headed for home without breaking her stride to beat the throw at the plate.
Cal responded in the bottom half of the inning by loading the bases with one out. Stanford retired the next batter out and nearly escaped the jam but a mental error on defense and a walk brought in a pair of runs for the Bears.
Lee got the next batter to fly out to left field to end the inning and limit the damage.
California extended its lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the third inning with a two-out RBI-single to right field. The Bears added to its lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, extending its lead to 5-1.
Stanford faced another jam in the bottom of the sixth inning. Pancino nearly got the Cardinal out of trouble and held a 1-2 count against the Bear's Annie Aldrete with a runner on third. However, Aldrete got just enough of the next pitch to narrowly send it over the left field wall and extend California's lead to 7-1.
Stanford had trouble getting going offensively in the later innings and the Cardinal failed to produce a baserunner in the final four innings.
Stanford will look to get back on track when it makes its Pac-12 home debut next weekend with a three-game series against Utah, beginning Friday at 6 p.m. (PT). All three games will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks.