ASU Softball: Home Runs Power Devils to Victory Over Cal
By Sam Ficarro
ASU softball clubbed three home runs and 12 hits overall Friday to take the first game of their three-game series versus California.
ASU softball began their final home-stand of the season the way they wanted to Friday opening a three-game series versus California with a 9-7 win.
Arizona State chased Cal starter Zoe Conley out of the game early with the power bats the story.
Conley was relieved for in the fourth inning after allowing two home runs.
Designated player Fa Leilua smacked a 3-run home run over the scoreboard in left field to give the Sun Devils a 3-0 lead.
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In the fourth inning, outfielder Nichole Chilson hit a 2-run home run to straightaway center and that would be it for Conley.
Conley finished throwing 3+ innings allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits with 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.
ASU would hit their third home run in the sixth inning with Arizona State leading 7-4 as catcher Sashel Palacios hit a 2-run home run to center field to give the Sun Devils a 9-4 lead.
The Golden Bears made this game interesting coming back from 6-0 down scoring a run in the fifth inning and 3 runs in the sixth and seventh innings.
Starting pitcher Breanna Macha threw 6+ innings allowing 7 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits, walking one and striking out four Golden Bears.
Dale Ryndak come on in relief in the seventh inning and was able to preserve the save for her second of the season throwing an inning allowing only one hit.
Next: ASU Softball: Wildcats Run-Rule Devils in Series Finale
Arizona State improved to 29-16 and 8-11 in Pac-12 play and will host Cal in the second game of their three-game series Saturday with first pitch set for 5 p.m. PST and can be seen on Pac-12 Arizona.