March 5, 2005
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University head softball coach Linda Wells earned her 900th career victory on Saturday as ASU defeated Southern Utah, 8-1 at the Louisville Slugger Triangular. In the first game, the Sun Devils (16-4) fell in a pitcher's duel to San Diego State, 1-0.
Against Southern Utah, ASU posted the first run in the bottom of the second inning when Himmita Hixson singled in Ashley Werschky who had singled earlier. The Thunderbirds then tied it up on a two out home run by Tiffany Burt in the third inning off Werschky.
ASU then opened it up in the fourth inning with three runs. Mindy Cowles led off with a triple into the right center field gap and scored when Valerie Sevilla double into right field. Heidi Knabe and Sharee Zaleski were each hit by a pitch to load the bases. Bridgette Caron followed with an infield single to score Sevilla and Jen McCard hit into a fielder's choice to plate Knabe for the 4-1 lead.
The Devils then scored four more runs in the sixth inning to break it open. ASU plated the first run off a wild pitch, while McCard and Hixson each drove in another run off singles. With the bases loaded, Sevilla ended the scoring with a single to center to score two more runs.
After the solo home run, SUU managed only one other hit the entire game. Werschky pitched the first three and two-thirds innings before giving way to Desiree Serrano (7-1) who finished the final three and a third innings allowing no hits with four strikeouts.
Sevilla led ASU at the plate going 3 for 5 with three RBIs. McCard finished the game with a 3 for 4 performance with two RBIs, while Cowles went 2 for 4 with two runs scored.
In the first game of the day against the Aztecs, ASU could only get two hits off SDSU pitcher Celena Velasques. Katie Burkhart (5-2) suffered the tough loss as she allowed only three hits with seven strikeouts.
The lone score occurred in the third inning with two outs. After consecutive singles for two on, Burkhart hit the next batter to load the bases. However, Burkhart then hit the next batter as well to force in the lone run of the game.
Knabe and Caron were the only two Sun Devils to get hits in the game.
Up next, the triangular will conclude on Sunday with ASU facing Southern Utah at 12:00 p.m.