It was a case of dΓ©jΓ vu during the Wildcatsβ 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 thatβs 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 Stateβs Michelle Sass grounded into a fielderβs choice, but werenβt 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.
βI didnβt think I was at my best, but not every appearance youβre going to be feeling it,β Denham said. βItβs that you have to find a way to win. Even if you donβt have all your pitches, you have to work with what youβve got.β
The Beaversβ lead didnβt 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 sheβs not sure whatβs been clicking the last couple of days. It could just be that sheβs trusting the process and itβs finally coming together.
βSometimes you struggle, but if you keep on at it, youβll find a way,β Craighton said. βMy swing has been all over the place, honestly. Just to get back at it was really good.β
Before the frame was over, Harper hit another RBI single to score Carli Campbell and extend the lead 4-2.
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 teamβs offense comes simply from swinging the bat.
βWeβre starting to trust our eyes a little bit and hit the ball where itβs pitched,β Candrea said. βThese are the things you have to do to hit. But another big thing is confidenceβ¦ and we have some people that are starting to step up.β
Candrea pulled Denham after five innings and inserted Taylor McQuillin for the save. Denham was never comfortable, and Candrea didnβt want to risk the game.
βI just felt like, with the lead, I didnβt want to wait,β 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 sheβs thankful for the opportunity to play for Arizona. She and Craighton both transferred in January.
βThat was a big deal, him opening his arms and letting us come in here and do our thing,β Denham said. βAnd not trying to completely change everything about us.β
Candrea also subbed out Alyssa Palomino in the last inning due to knee soreness. The soreness has been a constant issue for Palomino, whoβs had two ACL injuries while at Arizona, but Candrea said he didnβt want to take a chance of it being a more serious problem.
βShe just felt a little something and, of course a kid thatβs had two ACLs, itβs always very concerning when she feels something,β Candrea said. βHopefully tomorrow thereβll be no swelling and sheβll be fine.β
The Wildcats will look to sweep Oregon State on Sunday, when they host the Beavers at noon.