STANFORD, Calif. – Despite a season-high tying nine strikeouts from Alana Vawter, No. 6 Stanford was edged by No. 9 Washington, 1-0, on Saturday at Boyd and Jill Smith Family Stadium.
Stanford (39-11, 14-9 Pac-12) is now tied for third with Oregon (14-9) and Utah (14-9) in the Pac-12 standings, just one game behind Washington (15-8).
Vawter (16-7) threw her 10th complete game of the season for the Cardinal, allowing just one run on eight hits and one walk. Her nine strikeouts were the most since she matched that total against Boise State on Feb. 26.
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— Stanford Softball (@StanfordSball) May 7, 2023
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Washington broke a scoreless tie in the fifth when Baylee Klinger drove in Brooklyn Carter with an RBI double down the left line.
Looking to spark a Cardinal rally, Emily Young led off the sixth inning with a single through the right side. Ella Nadeau came in to pinch run and had an immediate impact, stealing second to move into scoring position. Nadeau advanced to third as Kyra Chan hit a groundout to shortstop, registering Stanford's second out. The Cardinal was unable to bring Nadeau home, stranding its seventh runner of the game.
Vawter recorded two strikeouts in the top of the seventh, preventing the Huskies from doing any more damage to the scoreboard.
Kaitlyn Lim led off the seventh with a single through the left side and moved to second off a sacrifice bunt from Sydney Steele. With one out and the game on the line, Washington brought in Lindsay Lopez to pitch and the Husky defense delivered, earning her the save.
Stanford is back in action on Sunday at 1 p.m. against Washington to decide the final series of the regular season. Prior to first pitch, the Cardinal will hold its Senior Day ceremony, recognizing its six departing seniors.
GAME NOTES
» Vawter held Washington to 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
» Vawter faced 31 Washington hitters, allowing six ground balls and six fly balls.
» Kaneshiro led the Cardinal at the plate, going 1-for-2.
» Saturday marked just the third time Stanford has been shut out this season.