Feb. 16, 2002
Box Score Game 1 | Box Score Game 2
TEMPE, Ariz. - Behind a excellent four-hit pitching performance from senior Erica Beach, the eighth-ranked Arizona State softball team (8-2) shutout Oklahoma State (8-1), 1-0 in the nightcap game at Farrington Stadium. In the earlier game, the Sun Devils defeated Michigan State, 7-2.
Against Oklahoma State, the Cowgirls came into the contest undefeated in the tournament as well as on the season, but ran into a red hot Beach (5-0). The left hander went the distance allowing only four hits with seven strikeouts. Beach has still not surrender an earned run this season as she extended her streak to 35 innings.
The Sun Devils recorded the only run that they would need in the fifth inning. With one out, Missy Hixon singled to leftfield, then advanced to second when the leftfielder misplayed the ball. Nichole Thompson followed with a fielder's choice. The OSU first baseman tried to throw Hixon out at third, but the throw did not reach the base in time as Hixon was called safe. Next, Kara Brun followed with another fielder's choice to the shortstop, but her throw to home to get Hixon was off the plate, allowing Hixon to slide around the tag.
The Cowgirls would never really threaten again as Beach pitched a gem for her fifth straight win.
In the earlier game against Michigan State, the Sun Devils' pounded out 10 hits, scoring three runs in the third and fifth innings to put the game away. ASU would put one more up in the sixth. Phelan Wright led the offensive attack with a 3-for-4 game, knocking her third home run of the year with two RBIs, while Hixon went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.
Kirsten Voak (3-2) tallied the win, allowing only four hits with no earned runs and seven strikeouts.
Up next, Arizona State will end the tournament on Sunday with a single game against Illinois State at 10:00 a.m.
Here are the complete scores from all the games played Saturday.
Saturday, February 16
Illinois State_6_vs._3_Iowa
Michigan State_0_vs._13_Iowa (5)
Illinois State_4_vs._6_Oklahoma State
Arizona State_7_vs._2_Michigan State
Arizona State_1_vs._0_Oklahoma State