STANFORD, Calif. – Behind a career-high nine strikeouts from junior Carolyn Lee and three hits from sophomore Alyssa Horeczko, Stanford softball cruised to an 11-3 victory over Saint Mary's on Wednesday at Smith Family Stadium.
St. Mary's (11-24) got one across in the first half inning, but Stanford (22-16) scored four in the second, three in the third and four in the sixth to earn its second straight win.
In the bottom of the second, Stanford loaded the bases with nobody out. Sophomore Teaghan Cowles walked to bring in the tying run, and sophomore Hannah Howell doubled down the left field line to bring home two more Cardinal. Following an RBI ground out from Kristina Inouye, Stanford led by three.
?? around they go! Howell's double scores two and ?? takes the lead! #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/C9jlciXoNc
— Stanford Softball (@StanfordSball) April 12, 2018
The Gaels got two back on a home run in the third, but Stanford got those back and more in the home half. Horeczko's line drive over to right center rolled to the wall for a two-run triple. She then scored on a passed ball for a 7-3 lead.
Stanford ended it early with four in the sixth. Whitney Burks and Lauren Wegner each had an RBI single, and Molly Fowkes added a sacrifice fly. Victoria Molina singled with the bases loaded for the walk-off winner.
Molina ends it! Bases loaded singles gives ?? an 11-3 walk-off winner!#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/EPDcibwaLb
— Stanford Softball (@StanfordSball) April 12, 2018
Lee gave up just four hits in six innings to earn her third win of the season. Horeczko finished 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBI and two stolen bases. Howell added two hits and two RBI, while Wegner finished 1-for-2 with two runs and an RBI, and Arden Pettit scored three times.
Cowles had two more steals and is a perfect 16-for-16 on steal attempts this year. It is the best start to a season for a Cardinal since Teagan Gerhart had 22 consecutive steals to start 2011.
Stanford will host Oregon State at Smith Family Stadium this weekend. Friday's first pitch is 7 p.m. PT and there is a trading card giveaway as well as Make-Your-Own visor and poster station. Saturday's game is at 5 p.m., and features postgame autographs. Sunday is Little League Day with a t-shirt giveaway and free ice cream for kids beginning at noon.
#GoStanford