PROVO, Utah – Sometimes it takes every trick in the book.
Stanford (18-4) took the lead in the top of the second inning, and they rode a dominant relief appearance from Regan Krause to hold on for the 5-4 victory over BYU. The win opens a five game road trip through the State of Utah.
With two outs in the top of the fourth, the Cardinal perfectly executed a squeeze play to take a two run lead. With Teaghan Cowles on third and Taylor Gindlesperger on first, the latter went to steal second base. When the throw from the plate went to second, Cowles sprinted home and beat the throw back to the catcher, giving Stanford a 5-3 lead over the Cougars (11-12).
Cowles ended the night with three runs – her second three-run game of the season.
BYU narrowed the gap with a home run off Maddy Dwyer in the bottom half of the fourth, but the senior recovered to induce back-to-back outs to end the inning.
Krause entered the game in the top of the fifth with a one-run lead, but the slim margin did not faze the freshman. Krause allowed only one batter on in 3.0 innings of relief, striking out three batters while picking up the save.
The Cardinal scored two runs in the top of the first inning, thanks to the first two batters in the order – Cowles and Gindlesperger – reaching home safely on a double from Emily Schultz. The Cougars responded with a three-run homer from Aris Paulson to take the lead.
BYU's lead would be short-lived, as Stanford regained control of the scoreboard off a two RBI single from Emily Young. Cowles scored the winning run on Young's hit into right field.
The Cardinal will remain in Utah to open Pac-12 play against the Utes, March 26-28.
