March 31, 2000
Tempe, Ariz. - The fifth-ranked Arizona State softball team (35-5, 1-0 Pac-10) defeated Oregon State University (26-7, 0-1 Pac-10), 6-1, this evening to open Pac-10 Conference play at Farrington Stadium.
In the top of the second, Oregon State got on the board first with a double to left center by second baseman Brynnen Guthrie, driving in Tarrah Beyster from second.
However, the Devils made a comeback in the fifth inning. The inning started with Jamie Hlebechuk getting hit by a pitch, and continued with Missy Hixon doubling to right center to put two on. After a walk by Nichole Thompson, pitcher Kirsten Voak doubled to center field, clearing the bases for three RBI's.
In the sixth inning, Hixon, Thompson and Voak all hit consecutive singles, then Erica Beach, Sara Kahler and Kara Brun all knocked in RBI's to bring the score to 6-1.
Voak (22-2) posted her 22nd win of the season, giving up only three hits, while striking out nine. Hixon went 2-for-3, scoring twice and Beach went 1-for-1 with the one RBI.
The Beavers were led at the plate by Guthrie going 2-for-3 with the one RBI, while the only other hit came from catcher Shelly Prochaska, who went 1-for-3.
Pitchers Crystal Draper (10-2) and Beyster combined for seven strikeouts, five and two respectively. Draper was tagged with the loss despite only giving up two hits, but left the game in fifth inning with the bases loaded. Beyster then came in and surrendered all three runs, plus three more in the sixth inning.
The Devils are in action again tomorrow night at Farrington Stadium against 23rd-ranked Oregon at 6:00 pm.