CORVALLIS, Ore. – For the first time in the series against Oregon State, Stanford was able to take a lead on the Beavers. The 25th-ranked Cardinal maintained that lead behind another outstanding effort by Alana Vawter in the circle, alongside a stout defense, to pick up the 1-0 Sunday victory at Kelly Field.
Sydnee Huff ripped the first pitch of the game down the right field line for a double to give Stanford (21-8, 1-2 Pac-12) the early momentum. Three-straight base hits to open the game pushed Huff across the plate for the game's defining run as the Cardinal achieved the lead for the first time.
The Beavers (25-8, 2-4 Pac-12) immediately responded to load the bases in the bottom of the first. A single, a walk, and a hit batter put Vawter on the ropes, but the junior showed her resolve to strike Lici Campbell out and strand all three runners.
From that moment, Vawter allowed only three batters on base as she gave up two hits all afternoon. The Beavers put only four runners in scoring position – going 0-for-4 in all four opportunities. For the day, Vawter struck out seven batters in her 11th complete game of the season.
Stanford threatened to add to their lead in the top of the seventh with a runner on first with only one out. Back-to-back outs ended the inning and put the ball back in Vawter's hands. The Beavers went down in order in the bottom of the seventh to end the game.
The Cardinal notched a series-high five hits on Sunday, led by two from Taylor Gindlesperger – including a double.
Stanford returns to action with seven straight home games, beginning with a home series against Utah, April 1-3.