ASU Softball: Bruins score four in sixth to defeat Sun Devils 5-1

No. 6 ASU softball dropped the second game of a three-game series versus No. 1 UCLA 5-1 as the Bruins scored four runs in the sixth inning.

Arizona State’s offense was held in check by UCLA starter Rachel Garcia as the Bruins bounced back taking the second game of the three-game series 5-1.

Breanna Macha took the circle for the Sun Devils making her 17th start of the season and 27th appearance.

Macha surrendered the game’s first run in the opening inning on a solo home run from shortstop Briana Perez.

After the home run, Macha settled into a groove retiring 14 of the next 17 UCLA batters with the Bruins largest threat in that span coming in the third inning when she allowed a walk and a single.

Macha got out of the jam with a strikeout of designated player Aaliyah Jordan.

That would give the Sun Devils momentum as Arizona State tied the game on a solo home run from designated player DeNae Chatman, her sixth home run of the season and fourth in the last seven games.

Chatman’s home run ended up being the last hit of the game for the Sun Devils as Garcia bounced back after Thursday’s loss to allow a run on two hits and two walks striking out eight Sun Devils.

UCLA got to Macha in the sixth inning with the game tied at one taking the lead on a two-run home run from Jordan, her 11th home run of the season.

The Bruins would tack on two more insurance runs on an RBI double from Madeline Jelenicki and an RBI single from Taylor Pack.

Macha finished the night throwing a complete game allowing five runs (three earned) on six hits to go with a walk and four strikeouts as Arizona State committed three errors.

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

Arizona State and UCLA will play the rubber game Saturday at noon PT as G Juarez will likely take the circle for the Sun Devils in the season finale.