March 2, 2001
TEMPE, Ariz. - The ninth-ranked Arizona State softball team (13-5) was stunned by Santa Clara (7-8), 4-3 tonight at Farrington Stadium. It was the first time Santa Clara had ever defeated the Sun Devils, a span of 10 games. Arizona State scatterd nine hits, while Santa Clara had only three.
ASU took the early 1-0 lead in the third inning. Phelan Wright started the inning with a single. Then with two outs, Missy Hixon singled to right field to bring Wright home.
The Broncos would respond in the fourth and fifth innings with two unearned runs. Santa Clara would continue scoring in the sixth inning.
After Tracie Hall walked to lead off, Deanna Rodriguez singled to center field. Kristi Harrington the sacrificed the runners up to second and third. Coresta Salas then pinch hit into a fielder's choice, but Hall beat the throw home for the third run. Salas then stole second, while Rodriguez came home to score.
Arizona State would get one run back in the sixth inning when Erica Beach hit a solo home run to center field. Beach's home run tied the school's all-time record at 16.
In the bottom of the seventh, Hixon reached on an error. Then Kara Brun nearly hit a home run to tie the game, but the Bronco outfielder ran into the wall attempting the catch as Brun settled for a double and a RBI as Hixon came around. However, that was all ASU would get as Shiloh Talanoa flied out to right field to end the game.
Erica Beach (9-3) suffered the loss, allowing only three hits and two earned runs. Krista Barry earned the win (5-3).
Up next, Arizona State will face Team Beijing on Saturday in an exhibition game at 5:00 p.m. and Santa Clara at 7:00 p.m.