TEMPE, Ariz. – Leading 6-1 headed into the seventh inning on Saturday afternoon, Stanford (4-0) allowed three runs to Seattle University (1-3), but held on to record a 6-4 victory from the Kajikawa Classic and Tempe Sports Complex in Tempe, Ariz.
Sophomore Maddy Dwyer seemingly cruised through the first six frames, allowing just one run on four hits over the span, but she ran into trouble in the seventh. A leadoff walk and a single immediately put two runners aboard, but it was a one-out RBI-double that ultimately ended the day for Dwyer. With two on and holding a four-run lead, the Card called to Kiana Pancino to close the door. The right-hander managed to record the final two outs to earn her first save of the year and hand Dwyer her second victory.
Stanford broke a scoreless game on one swing of the bat in the bottom of the third as freshman Emily Young laced a pitch into the left-centerfield gap with two out and the bases loaded. The ball just evaded the dive of the centerfielder, sending Young around the bags for an inside-the-park grand slam – her first career round-tripper.
To say Emily Young was ready is an understatement! An inside-the-park grand slam for Young as she splits the gap in left center and turns on the burners! ?????? #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/R5n2fc2Dy9
— Stanford Softball (@StanfordSball) February 9, 2019
While Seattle U scratched one run across in the top of the fourth, Dwyer did well to limit the damage to just the one after surrendering a leadoff triple. The native of Orange, Calif. would ultimately log 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four.
Kristina Inouye continued her torrid start to the 2019 season in the sixth inning, launching a two-run home run out to left field to add what proved to be two big insurance runs. The homer was Inouye's first of the year, but was also her seventh hit in 12 at bats. She now owns 11 RBI through four games played.
Teaghan Cowles went 1-for-4 with a run scored hitting out of the leadoff spot in the order, but it was her defensive showing in left field that may have had the biggest impact on the final score Saturday. With a runner aboard in the sixth inning, Cowles broke back on a deep fly ball off the bat of Madison Cathcart, making the catch and crashing through the fence to secure the out. Were it not for the heroics, the Redhawks would have cut the Stanford advantage to one at 4-3.
a game winner https://t.co/UPPC1NFDZx
— EBREEEZZY (@EmilyKlingaman) February 10, 2019
Stanford will look to finish perfect at the Kajikawa Classic on Sunday, meeting Weber State at 10:30 a.m. PT in a game that will air live on Pac-12 Networks.