Arizona Wildcats power through Alyssa Denham's struggles to top Oregon State 6-2

It was a case of déjà vu during the Wildcats’ first inning of Game 2 against Oregon State at Hillenbrand Stadium. For the second day in a row, Arizona took the early 1-0 lead Saturday thanks to a Jessie Harper single and a pair of Oregon State errors.

But that’s where the feeling of familiarity ended for the Wildcats.

Arizona went on to win 6-2, and is back at .500 in conference play, but starting pitcher Alyssa Denham struggled after the first inning.

The Beavers hit two singles and drew a walk from Denham to load the bases with no outs in the second. The Wildcats got an out at home when Oregon State’s Michelle Sass grounded into a fielder’s choice, but weren’t as lucky when Camryn Ybarra singled during the next at-bat to tie the game 1-1.

The following batter was hit by a pitch, resulting in another run. And just like that, Denham handed the Beavers the lead, 2-1.

“I didn’t think I was at my best, but not every appearance you’re going to be feeling it,” Denham said. “It’s that you have to find a way to win. Even if you don’t have all your pitches, you have to work with what you’ve got.”

The Beavers’ lead didn’t last long.

After Dejah Mulipola drew a walk, Aleah Craighton hit her second homer in as many days to hand the Wildcats a 3-2 lead.

Craighton said she’s not sure what’s been clicking the last couple of days. It could just be that she’s trusting the process and it’s finally coming together.

“Sometimes you struggle, but if you keep on at it, you’ll find a way,” Craighton said. “My swing has been all over the place, honestly. Just to get back at it was really good.”

Before the frame was over, Harper hit another RBI single to score Carli Campbell and extend the lead 4-2.

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Jenna Kean hit a single to score Craighton in the third and then Harper hit her 13th homer of the season to add to the score, while preventing Oregon State from making any runs of their own.

Arizona coach Mike Candrea said the recent surge in the team’s offense comes simply from swinging the bat.

“We’re starting to trust our eyes a little bit and hit the ball where it’s pitched,” Candrea said. “These are the things you have to do to hit. But another big thing is confidence… and we have some people that are starting to step up.”

Candrea pulled Denham after five innings and inserted Taylor McQuillin for the save. Denham was never comfortable, and Candrea didn’t want to risk the game.

“I just felt like, with the lead, I didn’t want to wait,” he said.

Even though Denham had an off night, Candrea is confident in the Louisiana-Lafayette transfer and believes she will be a big part of the program down the stretch.

Denham said she’s thankful for the opportunity to play for Arizona. She and Craighton both transferred in January.

“That was a big deal, him opening his arms and letting us come in here and do our thing,” Denham said. “And not trying to completely change everything about us.”

Candrea also subbed out Alyssa Palomino in the last inning due to knee soreness. The soreness has been a constant issue for Palomino, who’s had two ACL injuries while at Arizona, but Candrea said he didn’t want to take a chance of it being a more serious problem.

“She just felt a little something and, of course a kid that’s had two ACLs, it’s always very concerning when she feels something,” Candrea said. “Hopefully tomorrow there’ll be no swelling and she’ll be fine.”

The Wildcats will look to sweep Oregon State on Sunday, when they host the Beavers at noon.