April 27, 2002
TEMPE, Ariz. - The fifth-ranked Arizona State softball team (37-13, 7-6 Pac-10) fell to Oregon (22-23, 1-13 Pac-10), 4-2, today at Farrington Stadium. The victory for the Ducks gives them their first Pac-10 win of the year.
Arizona State got on the board first in the second inning of a solo home run by Nichole Thompson. But Oregon came back strong in the sixth inning, scoring all four runs, two courtesy of a Alyssa Laux home run. The Ducks posted two more runs off of a bases loaded double down the left field line by Ashley Richards.
Again, Arizona State had several scoring opportunities, but was unable to cash them in as they left nine runners stranded.
The Sun Devils would cut the lead in half in the seventh inning. Jennifer Forner opened with a single to left field and then advanced to second when the ball was dropped by the shortstop as it was thrown back to the infield. After one out, Kristin Farber moved Forner to third on a ground out to second base. Kara Brun then double to deep right center to drive in Forner. Phelan Wright followed with a walk, bringing up Thompson with two runners on. On a 1-1 pitch, Thompson nearly hit a walk-off home run, but the ball just curved to the right of the right field foul pole. Thompson then fouled out to third base to end the game.
Erica Beach (24-10) suffered the loss, allowing only five hits and three earned runs. Lindsey Kontra (6-10) picked up the win, giving up nine hits and one earned run.
Up next, the two schools will end the series on Sunday with a first pitch again at 1:00 p.m.