May 12, 2011
TEMPE, Ariz. - The No. 11/12 Stanford softball team dropped a 3-1 decision in the series opener at No. 1 Arizona State, Thursday, at Farrington Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. The Cardinal falls to 37-14 overall and 9-10 in the Pac-10, while the Sun Devils improve to 49-5 overall and clinch at least a share of the conference title with a 16-3 record.
Sophomore pitcher Teagan Gerhart took the loss, falling to 21-10 overall. She gave up three runs on six hits, while issuing five walks and striking out three ASU batters. The Sun Devils' rookie Dallas Escobedo earned the win, improving to 26-3.
Stanford loaded the bases in the top of the first as junior Ashley Hansen hit an infield single, sophomore Jenna Becerra reached on a bunt single and freshman Michelle Prong drew a walk. Unfortunately, the Cardinal was unable to capitalize as Escobedo struck out the next two Stanford batters to end the inning.
ASU came out swinging as lead-off hitter Katelyn Boyd hit a home run to left field to give the Sun Devils the early lead. After center fielder Lesley Rogers drew a walk, Gerhart retired the next three batters to get out of the inning with just one blemish on the scoreboard. Freshman Caitlyn Pura made a diving catch in right field to record the final out.
After three scoreless innings for both teams, Hansen hit a home run to lead off the fifth inning. The solo shot was the eighth long ball of the season for the Chandler, Ariz., native.
The Sun Devils answered in the bottom half of the inning, scoring two runs on two hits. Third baseman Krista Donnenwirth hit a two run single to shallow centerfield to give ASU the two-run advantage.
Stanford and ASU will play the second game of the three-game series, Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. at Farrington Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.