After a pair of blowout losses to No. 17 Arizona softball to open Pac-12 play this weekend, No. 22 ASU managed to stave off the sweep to its rival Sunday, winning the finale of a three-game series, 4-3, in Tempe.
Including shutouts Friday (9-0) and Saturday (11-0) in Tempe, the Wildcats (17-7 overall, 2-1 Pac-12) scored the first 22 runs of the series against the Sun Devils (16-5, 1-2); that included jumping out to a 2-0 lead Sunday, which Arizona took into the bottom of the third inning. But an RBI single by ASU’s Jazmyn Rollin that scored Tucson native and Salpointe Catholic grad Yanni Acuña, followed by a Sun Devil two-run home run by Jordyn VanHook meant not only the Sun Devils’ first lead at any point over the weekend, but also meant the hook for UA starting pitcher Devyn Netz after just 2 1/3 innings.
VanHook leads the nation with 14 home runs so far this season.
After Brianna Hardy ended the third in the circle for Arizona without any further damage, Sydney Somerndike pitched a spotless fifth inning before allowing a solo shot to Rollin in the fifth that put ASU up 4-2.
Arizona’s two first-inning runs were plated thanks to Carlie Scupin’s ninth home run of the year, and then an RBI single by Izzy Pacho that scored Olivia DiNardo.
The Wildcats would score one final time in the top of the sixth inning on an Allie Skaggs RBI single to cut the deficit to one run. Representing the tying run in the top of the seventh, Jasmine Perezchica would reach on an infield single, but ASU reliever Marissa Shuld shut the door for ASU’s victory.
Netz was credited with the loss after giving up three earned runs on four hits while striking out two. Netz’s record in the circle now 8-6 on the season. Kylee Magee got the win in the circle for ASU, allowing three runs on seven hits and six walks through five innings. Shuld earned her fourth save of the year.
Scupin and Pacho each finished with two hits for the Wildcats, who play five games at home over the next seven days. That includes 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. matchups Wednesday against New Mexico State at Hillenbrand Stadium, and a three-game set Friday (6 p.m.), Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.) against Utah.
Arizona softball coach Caitlin Lowe discusses her team's recent experience playing in hostile road environments, the Wildcats' fighting to win games despite striking out a lot, and Devyn Netz performance at the plate and in the circle while meeting with local media on March 1, 2023 at Hillenbrand Stadium. Video by Devin Homer/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
Devyn Netz has shined both as a pitcher and at the plate for the Arizona Softball team early this season. Netz discusses her recent success and approach to both disciplines while meeting with local media on March 1, 2023 at Hillenbrand Stadium
Arizona softball coach Caitlin Lowe and infielder Tayler Biehl discuss the Wildcats hitting the road for the first time this season after going 5-0 at home last week in the season-opening Candrea Classic. During a session with local media Feb. 14, Lowe and Biehl also discuss Arizona manufacturing runs in methods other than hitting the long ball. Video by Devin Homer, Special to the Arizona Daily Star
At the Arizona softball team's recent preseason media day, UA players discuss expectations this season, while head coach Caitlin Lowe shares here thoughts on the identity of her 2023 Wildcat team and how the transfer portal is impacting the sport. Video by Devin Homer/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
