Lead Image by Mike Rasay/ISIPhotos.com
TUCSON, Ariz. – Stanford surrendered four home runs at No. 4 Arizona, dropping the second game of the series, 12-0, in five innings Saturday afternoon at Hillenbrand Stadium.
Nine of the Wildcats' (39-1, 11-0 Pac-12) 12 runs came on home runs. The Cardinal (16-17, 0-8 Pac-12) had its opportunities offensively but left runners stranded in four-of-five innings – including the bases loaded in the third.
Kylie Sorenson, Teaghan Cowles and Montana Dixon produced a hit apiece for the Cardinal.
Stanford went in an early hole when Arizona hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning, then a grand slam in the second to take a commanding 7-0 lead.
Stanford's best opportunity to cut into Arizona's advantage came in the top of the third inning when the Cardinal loaded the bases with two outs. Lauren Wegner drew a walk, while Sorenson and Cowles hit back-to-back singles.
Bessie Noll sent a 3-2 pitch to the warning track but Arizona's centerfielder was there to make the catch and end the inning.
A number of quality individual efforts in today's defeat. #GoStanford https://t.co/BdqDAZsNtn
— Stanford Softball (@StanfordSball) April 9, 2017
Highlights from Stanford's defeat at No. 4 Arizona.
Kiana Pancino (4-3) got the start in the circle and did her best to slow down Arizona's potent offense but fell victim to the long ball. Kayler Detmer came in as relief in the fourth inning after Arizona hit back-to-back solo home runs to start the inning.
Detmer retired two of the first four batters faced but the Wildcats rallied for three more runs in the inning to extend its lead to 12-0.
Whitney Burks pinch-hit in the top of the fifth inning and drew a walk but the Cardinal could not cut into Arizona's lead to extend the game.
Stanford will look to rebound Sunday at noon (PT) in the finale. The game will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.