ASU Softball: Sun Devils Split Day 1 of Mary Nutter Classic

ASU softball began the Mary Nutter Classic today by splitting games falling to No. 18 Texas A&M in extra innings and defeating Notre Dame.

ASU softball took their 9-1 record into Palm Springs, California to begin the three-day Mary Nutter Classic.

In their first game of the day, Arizona State entered a pitcher’s duel versus Texas A&M.

Freshman Giselle Juarez made her fourth start of the season and pitched magnificently carrying ASU into the ninth inning.

Aggies pitcher Lexi Smith matched her pitch for pitch as the game was scoreless through eight innings.

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Arizona State was able to break through on a bases loaded walk by catcher Sashel Palacios in the ninth inning.

That was all ASU was able to muster, but Aggies responded in the bottom of the inning with a walk-off two-run double by designated hitter Samantha Show to secure the comeback win for the Aggies.

Juarez finished the game with a pitching line of 8.1 innings, 1 earned run, 2 runs, 2 walks and 8 strikeouts.

In the second game of the day, Arizona State rebounded to defeat Notre Dame thanks to a strong pitching performance from Breanna Macha.

Macha finished with a complete game, 4 hits, 1 unearned run and 1 strikeout.

Arizona State started off quick with an RBI single from first baseman Margaret Stahm in the first inning off Notre Dame pitcher Katie Beriont.

The Fighting Irish would go on to tie it in the fourth inning on an RBI groundout by second baseman Morgan Reed.

ASU responded immediately in the next half inning scoring two runs thanks to an error to score pinch runner Brynley Steele and and RBI sac fly by left fielder Nicole Chilson.

That’s all ASU needed to close out their 10th win of the season.

Next: ASU Softball: Challenging Stretch Looms for Sun Devils

Arizona State is back in action Saturday versus Texas with first pitch set for 2:30 p.m. MST before wrapping up the tournament Sunday with games versus UC Santa Barbara and Michigan.