ASU Softball: Arizona State Shuts Out Oregon State For First Pac-12 Win

Dec 17, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky performs before the first half of the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky performs before the first half of the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

ASU softball opened up their Pac-12 series against Oregon State with a run-rule win of 8-0 ending the game after the sixth inning.

“They came out to BP (batting practice) and they were focused and had a lot of energy. That’s who we are and that’s how we should play softball every single day,” said head coach Trisha Ford

The top of the first inning started off not as planned for the Sun Devils. Even though no runs were scored, pitcher Breanna Macha walked the first batter and an error was later made by shortstop Chelsea Gonzalez.

Macha gave up four hits in six innings.

“If I can trust my defense 100% of the time, I can go out there and throw my pitches. I mean they (Oregon State) were hitting my change up today but I had my defense out there making those plays behind me which is a huge boost to myself,” said the pitcher.

Ulufa Leilua was the first batter for ASU in scoring position when she hit a triple to centerfield. Oregon State’s Jessica Garcia missed the catch when she realized the ball was farther behind her. The first run of the game was scored due to a double hit by second baseman Marisa Stankiewicz.

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Home runs were popular today for the home team. Chelsea Gonzalez hit a rocket of a home run over centerfield allowing for two runs to score and making it 3-0 in the bottom of the third. Another home run was hit by Stankiewicz to right centerfield, allowing for two runs to score. Back-to-back home runs were hit by Sashel Palacios and Brynley Steele.

Stankiewicz was the player to watch during this game. She went 3-3 with two doubles and one home run bringing her average to a .236.

“I was clear minded today more than just seeing the ball, just forget everything today and just hitting the ball,” said the jr. “The best part about this win today is that it is our first conference win.”

Follow the game tomorrow by tuning into Pac-12 Network at 7 p.m. MST.