SACRAMENTO - Stanford's first two road games of the season resulted in a doubleheader split at Sacramento State, with the Cardinal falling 1-0 in the opener before rebounding 5-2 in the nightcap.
The Cardinal (7-6), which is navigating through a stretch of six games over four days, was squaring off against the Hornets (4-7) for the first time since 2011 and visiting Sacramento for the first time since 2008.
In the opener, Stanford was unable to generate anything offensively against Sacramento State starter Celina Matthias, who struck out seven and walked two in a four-hit shutout. Two of the Cardinal's four hits came from Arden Pettit, who was left stranded at second following a one-out double in the sixth inning.
Maddy Dwyer kept the Cardinal within striking distance, taking the loss despite allowing four hits and two walks over six innings.
In game two, Stanford broke through with a run in the top of the first, as Teaghan Cowles singled, stole second and came around to score on an RBI single from Montana Dixon. The Cardinal continued to pad its lead by scoring twice in fourth and seventh innings for added insurance.
That was more than enough offense for Kiana Pancino, who was untouchable for the first five innings before Sacramento State pushed across single runs over the final two innings. Pancino went the distance, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out five.
Up next is the first of two home tournaments, as Stanford welcomes Cal Poly (4-6) and Santa Clara (0-5) to Smith Family Stadium for a round-robin event that runs Friday-Sunday. The Cardinal plays Santa Clara on Friday at 6 p.m., Cal Poly on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and both schools on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
After this weekend, Stanford will participate in two more preseason tournaments (Judi Garman Classic from March 1-3 and Easton Classic from March 9-11). The Pac-12 campaign gets underway on March 24 with a three-game set at Utah.