Devils in Detail
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ASU Softball: Sun Devils Compete in Judi Garman Classic

By Hunter Robinson

Jan 14, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils former linebacker Terrell Suggs left poses with Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky looks on during the second half of the game against the Washington State Cougars at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 84-73. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils former linebacker Terrell Suggs left poses with Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky looks on during the second half of the game against the Washington State Cougars at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 84-73. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a blazing start to the season, the ASU softball team cooled off this weekend as they went 3-2 in the Judi Garman Classic.

While a 3-2 record is still a winning record, ASU softball’s two losses were against top-25 teams. Games against top-25 teams are must-win games for a team trying to prove themselves as a contender for the Women’s College World Series.

In their loss against No. 14 Michigan, it very well could have been a win. MIchigan’s pitcher, Megan Betsa, pitched about as close to a perfect game as you can. For ASU, freshman Giselle Juarez proved just how good she is as she went toe-to-toe with Betsa. Ultimately, Michigan was able to get a few more hits off of Juarez than ASU was able to get off of Betsa.

The Sun Devils followed up their loss against Michigan with a dominant win against Cal State Fullerton. Everything went right for the Sun Devils in that game and it was a nice pick-me-up after their heartbreaking loss to Michigan just prior.

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On Friday ASU only had a single game to play, a game against No. 22 Baylor. Baylor seemed to catch the Sun Devils on a bad day as starter Breanna Macha only lasted two innings. Arizona State would go through Dale Ryndak and GIselle Juarez before the game was through. For ASU, the loss to Baylor proved to be even more devastating than their loss to Michigan because it was the first time all season that their pitching staff had looked flawed. With a head coach that relies on pitching, ASU had a nightmare of a game against Baylor.

The last day of ASU’s participation in the Judi Garman Classic, Saturday, was a long one. Arizona State pulled out two wins in dramatic fashion. Both games ended with walk-offs, and both went into extra innings.

Their game against South Carolina was a good team effort. Macha regained her composure after her short outing against Baylor the day before. A nice balance of offensive firepower and defensive play-making ability led to the Sun Devils capturing the victory 4-3 in nine innings.

In the game against Iowa, it was a come-from-behind effort that gave the Sun Devils the win. After going down 3-0 mid-way through the fifth, Arizona State was able to respond in the bottom of the seventh inning to extend the game. The teams exchanged blows with both putting up a run in the ninth inning. With the game tied 4-4 after nine, it would be an RBI single from Taylor Becerra that would give the Sun Devils the victory.

Next: ASU Baseball Loses Series to Loyola Marymount

Next up for Arizona State is the last week before the beginning of Pac-12 play. After a mid-week game against Maine, the Sun Devils will host Nebraska in a weekend series. Following their weekend series, ASU will be on the road to start Pac-12 play as they will be in Seattle, Washington to take on the No. 8 Washington Huskies.

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