April 1, 2000
TEMPE, Ariz. - The fifth-ranked Arizona State softball team (35-6, 1-1 Pac 10) suffered its worst loss of the year, getting shutout by 23rd-ranked Oregon (24-12, 1-1 Pac-10), 10-0, this evening for their first loss in Pac-10 play at Farrington Stadium.
The game remained scoreless until the fifth inning when Oregon went on a hitting streak, scoring four runs in the fifth inning. The inning started off with catcher Kelly Planche hitting a solo home run over the center field wall. Then after an ASU error to put Chrisi Shelton aboard, Andrea Gustafson singled to move Shelton to third. Designated hitter Missy Coe then double to left center field to bring in both runs. First baseman, Triawn Custer singled to right field to bring in Coe for the final run of the inning.
The Ducks also hit well in the sixth, as Shelton hit a three-run homer to right field. Oregon would tag on three more runs in the seventh to end the scoring. ASU had a chance to score first in the fourth inning with the bases loaded, but were unable to plate any runners. Again in the fifth inning, the Devils tried to make comeback, but ended by leaving two on the bases.
Arizona State was lead by second baseman Missy Hixon, going 2-for-3 on the night including a double. Erica Beach (11-4) suffered the loss, allowing 12 hits with eight earned runs.
Arizona State will seek to split the series tomorrow afternoon at Farrington Stadium against Oregon at 1:00 pm.