ASU Softball: Sun Devils open Pac-12 play against Oregon State

No.17 ASU softball begin Pac-12 play this weekend with a three game series against Oregon State, who is on a four game winning streak.

The Sun Devils finished non conference play with a record of 20-7. Their biggest win of non-conference play was their win over No. 9 Texas as they’ve faced nine teams against ranked teams or receiving votes when they faced them.

The offense for ASU has been strong so far this season with a .334 batting average for team which is second in the Pac-12. Add that to the 8.33 runs scored per game shows the fast start for the offense.

Junior right fielder Kendra Hackbarth leads the team with a .425 batting average and 37 hits. The team has gone yard various times with a combined 47 home runs and sophomore Bella Loomis is tied with junior catcher Maddi Hackbarth with nine home runs.

The pitching for ASU has been solid, as well, with junior Samantha Mejia, freshman Abby Andersen and redshirt junior Cielo Meza. They have a combined 3.33 era and 92 strikeouts on the year.

The pitchers will be put to the test against the Beavers as Oregon State comes into the series 16-5 and having won four straight.

The Beavers offense has hit a combined .273 batting average and 14 home runs on the year. Senior outfielder Love Lopez leads the offense with a .367 batting average.

The pitching has been strong for Oregon State with a 1.92 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Sophomore pitcher Mariah Mazon leads the way with a 1.49 ERA in 65 innings pitched.

The Sun Devils will host Oregon State this weekend at Farrington Stadium starting Friday at 7 p.m. PT.