ASU Softball: Taran Alvelo silences Devils offense in 7-0 loss

ASU softball couldn’t generate offense Sunday afternoon as Washington pitcher Taran Alvelo threw a three-hit shutout in a 7-0 win for the Huskies.

The Sun Devils were confident heading into Sunday’s game against Washington after ASU took the first game 2-0, handing the No. 1 team in the country their first loss of the season.

Errors plagued the Sun Devils Sunday as ASU committed four errors resulting in five unearned runs to cross the plate as Washington won the game 7-0.

Breanna Macha made the start for Arizona State and had a long first two innings.

Macha opened the game with a leadoff walk and a throwing error to put two Huskies on base. She would end up getting out of the jam unscathed with a strikeout, foulout and groundout.

Washington was able to break through against Macha in the second inning as the Huskies scored four runs on four hits and an error.

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The Huskies took the lead on an RBI single from second baseman Taylor Van Zee with Washington breaking the game open on an bases-clearing double from first baseman Kirstyn Thomas to put UW ahead 4-0.

Washington would tack on a run in the fourth and two in the seventh to secure a bounce-back 7-0 win over the Sun Devils.

“We just didn’t play a clean game and I think those cost us. I thought the first inning offensively we came out ready to go. We had some loud outs,” head coach Trisha Ford said. “But when they put up that four-spot, we got to respond. I think we’re very capable offensively to put some runs up and I just expect better out of them.”

Macha finished the day throwing 6+ innings allowing seven runs (two earned) on nine hits to go along with a walk and three strikeouts.

“I think that’s a good hitting team. You have to tip your cap to them,” Macha said. “They’re going to hit your mistakes so just limiting your mistakes and just throwing your own game. That’s what I need to work on, limiting those mistakes.”

After Macha gave up a two-run home run to shortstop Julia DePonte, pitcher Alyssa Loza came on in relief to throw a scoreless inning and one strikeout.

Ford explained why she kept Macha in the game for as long as she did.

“I thought we were going to hit. I think Bre gave us the best chance of winning. I don’t think she pitched terribly. Only two of her runs were earned. If she was off her game, then I would’ve given her a quick hook,” Ford said. “She’s also earned that… she’s been the steady force for this program and she continues to be that. She’s a competitor at heart and I know she wants to be in that game.”

Next: ASU Softball: Sun Devils shut out #1 Washington

The 10th-ranked Sun Devils will battle the top-ranked Huskies in the rubber game of the three-game series Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. PT before facing No. 16 Cal next weekend.

All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand by Devils in Detail unless otherwise noted.

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