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ASU Softball: Juarez throws shutout, Stankiewicz homers in upset win vs. #1 UCLA

By Sam Ficarro

TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky spikes the pitchfork at center field after the college football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Sun Devil Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. The Arizona State Sun Devils beat the Colorado Buffaloes 48-23. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky spikes the pitchfork at center field after the college football game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Sun Devil Stadium on October 10, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. The Arizona State Sun Devils beat the Colorado Buffaloes 48-23. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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Marisa Stankiewicz’s three-run home run in the fourth inning combined with G Juarez’s three-hit shutout leads ASU softball to an upset win vs. No. 1 UCLA.

No. 6 Arizona State entered this weekend controlling their own destiny to earn a top-eight seed in the NCAA Tournament with a good performance in Los Angeles this week against No. 1 UCLA.

So far, so good for the Sun Devils as they pulled off a 3-0 upset win Thursday as G Juarez outdueled UCLA starter Rachel Garcia.

ASU’s win snapped UCLA’s 14-game winning streak as the Bruins entered this week’s series having swept the last three Pac-12 series against Arizona, Washington and California.

After three innings of no-hit softball, the Sun Devils got to Garcia in the fourth inning. First baseman Danielle Gibson reached on a hit by pitch with center fielder Morgan Howe recording the game’s first hit on a bunt single.

Second baseman Marisa Stankiewicz came up to bat and unloaded a three-run home run on a 1-0 pitch from Garcia to left field to break the deadlock and give ASU a 3-0 lead.

The Sun Devils finished the game with three runs on two hits with all the offense coming in the fourth inning.

Juarez was dominant as she took a no-hitter into the fifth inning. UCLA first baseman Madeline Jelenicki singled to lead off the frame to record the Bruins’ first hit.

UCLA’s biggest threat came in the fifth as a wild pitch sent pinch runner Jenna Crawford to second base. Catcher Taylor Park lined out and left fielder Kinsley Washington grounded out to end the threat.

Juarez finished the night allowing just three hits to go with a walk and nine strikeouts picking up her 23rd win on the season.

The complete-game shutout Thursday marked her 22nd complete game and 12th shutout this season.

Next: ASU Softball: With a top-eight seed to play for, Devils face #1 UCLA

The Sun Devils improved to 43-9 (16-6 Pac-12) with Breanna Macha likely to take the circle for Arizona State Friday as she’ll look to continue her strong pitching form. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. PT and it can be seen on Pac-12 Arizona.

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