STANFORD, Calif. – A missed opportunity by Stanford in the third inning proved costly as No. 23 Arizona State produced a big fourth inning to claim a, 9-1, victory in five innings Friday evening at Smith Family Stadium.
Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the third inning, the Cardinal (16-21, 0-11 Pac-12) loaded the bases with no outs and produced a run on a Kylie Sorenson single up the middle. Stanford seemed to be making a comeback but an ill-timed double play halted the rally.
The Sun Devils capitalized in the following frame, producing five runs – including four on a grand slam by Ulufa Leilua – to extend its lead to 8-1.
Stanford battled but could only manage one baserunner in the final two innings. Arizona State completed the run-rule victory with an RBI-double by Sashel Palacios in the top of the fifth inning.
Stanford battled but couldn't overcome a big fourth inning by Arizona State. #GoStanford https://t.co/J1PDxJzXCF
— Stanford Softball (@StanfordSball) April 15, 2017
Highlights from Stanford's defeat against No. 23 Arizona State.
The Cardinal had trouble figuring out Arizona State starter, Giselle Juarez (5-4), in the first two innings and could only generate one walk against Alyssa Loza who came in as relief for the fourth and fifth innings.
Nikki Bauer (5-4) got the start in the circle for Stanford and went 3.0 innings before being replaced by Pancino who finished the final 2.0 innings.
Sorenson, Lauren Bertoy and Kaitlyn Lagattuta accounted for each of Stanford's three hits.
Stanford's defense played well throughout the contest but an error by Sorenson at shortstop on a ground ball in the fifth inning snapped a 28-inning errorless streak.
The Cardinal will look to get back on track in the series finale on Saturday at noon (PT).