Early Runs Back DwyerEarly Runs Back Dwyer
John P. Lozano/isiphotos.com
Softball

Early Runs Back Dwyer

Box Score

Stanford (5-1) scored four runs in the first inning, and added two more in the fifth, to back a stellar start from sophomore right-hander Maddy Dwyer in a 6-1 win over Pacific (2-4) on Thursday to open the DeMarini Invitational from Smith Family Stadium.


Dwyer went the distance in the victory, allowing just one run on five hits with six strikeouts. The native of Orange, Calif. notched her second complete game of the year and moved to 3-0 with the victory.

The Card managed just four hits in the win, but it made the most of the opportunities. Senior Whitney Burks led the charge offensively, finishing 2-for-3 with two runs scored and four RBI. After Stanford loaded the bases on three consecutive walks, Burks delivered a clutch two-out bases-clearing double in the first inning to put Stanford on the board. The native of Fairfax Station, Va. would ultimately come around to score on a Kristina Inouye RBI-single on the ensuing play, capping the four-run first.

Stanford's first baseman would again deliver in the fifth inning, lacing her first career triple off the wall in right field to plate Montana Dixon for the second time in the game.

While hits were tougher to come by, Stanford did manage to draw five walks and three hit-by-pitches to keep the offense moving. Dixon, Emily Klingaman and Taylor Gindlesperger each drew a walk and one hit-by-pitch.

For the first time this year, the Cardinal failed to score first in a game. Pacific opened the contest with a run in the opening stanza, as Bradi Kooyman delivered a two-out RBI-double to bring home Jessica Mabrey. Kooyman would finish the game 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and the RBI.

While weather did not prove to be much of a factor, Thursday's contest did feature two short rain delays. With wet weather in the forecast for the weekend, fans are encouraged to monitor Stanford softball on Twitter (@StanfordSBall) for updates with regard to game time changes and delays. Game time changes will also be announced at gostanford.com/rain.

The DeMarini Invitational will continue on Friday at 10 a.m. as Portland State and Pacific meet in the first of four scheduled games on the day. Stanford will return to action at 4:45 p.m. when it hosts Iowa State. Full schedule information for the DeMarini Invitational can be found by visiting the Tournament Central Page.