ASU Softball: 4-run 7th for Utah Utes Sink Sun Devils

After defeating No. 10 Utah Friday, No. 23 ASU Softball took a 4-3 lead into the seventh inning where Utah scored four runs to hold on for a 7-6 win Saturday.

ASU softball was riding on a lot of momentum and confidence after Friday’s walk-off win over No. 10 Utah.

The script was flipped on Saturday, however, as it was the Sun Devils who allowed the deciding runs in the seventh inning as pitchers Giselle Juarez and Breanna Macha combined to allow 4 runs (1 earned).

Utah tied the game up on an error by shortstop Chelsea Gonzales scoring pinch runner Ryley Ball.

The error swung the game as Utes left fielder Kay Kay Fronda hit a go-ahead 2-run double over the head of left fielder Nichole Chilson to make it 6-4 Utah.

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Utah made it 7-4 shortly after on an RBI single by second baseman Hannah Flippen proving to be the winning run.

Arizona State put up a rally in the home-half of the inning as first baseman Margaret Stahm hit a 2-run home run to cut the Utes lead to one.

Utah pitcher Hailey Hilburn was able to record the final two outs of the game and picked up the win as Utah held on for a 7-6 win.

Things were looking good for the Sun Devils as they quickly erased an early 2-run deficit with a pair of RBI singles by Gonzales and designated player Emma Ramelot in the first inning.

In the third inning, catcher Fa Leilua hit a 2-run home run on the first pitch from Utah starter Katie Donovan to give the Sun Devils a 4-2 lead.

Juarez pitched well for the Sun Devils going 6+ innings allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits along with a walk and 4 strikeouts.

Macha came on in relief for ASU in the 7th inning but couldn’t hold on to the save finishing the inning allowing 2 unearned runs on 2 hits.

Next: ASU Softball: The Real Test Starts Now

No. 23 Arizona State will look to pick up a big series win Sunday versus No. 10 Utah with pitcher Dale Ryndak expected to be in pitching circle.

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