March 27, 2009
TEMPE, Ariz. - Hillary Bach threw her first career no-hitter in her Pac-10 debut Friday night while Kaitlin Cochran broke the ASU career doubles record of 50 held by Kara Brun as ASU opened Pac-10 play with an 8-0 win in six innings over the Oregon Ducks in Tempe at Farrington Stadium. The Sun Devils are now 29-5 overall and 1-0 in Pac-10 play as Oregon falls to 10-18 overall and 0-2 in conference action.
ASU attacked the scoreboard first after a single to left center from Katelyn Boyd was brought home after Kaylyn Castillo cracked a double to right center to take the lead. The Sun Devils weren't finished on offense though as the third inning saw Lesley Rogers pull a walk that the Ducks were later forced to eat as ASU career home run leader Kaitlin Cochran added a little zing to a 2-1 pitch launched deep into right center for her 13th on the year.
ASU continued the scoring rally in the fourth and fifth inning as RBIs from Caylyn Carlson, Kaylyn Castillo, Ashley Muenz and Katie Crabb rattled off four more runs for ASU to push the score to 7-0 after five complete.
Not one quack was heard from the Oregon offense as Hillary Bach masterfully pitched her first career no-hitter through the remainder of the game to seal her 16th win on the season. The last highlight of the night came from Kaitlin Cochran in the sixth as she dug in to take a full count to the left center wall for a double, after which she advanced on a throw and an error by the Ducks to end the game early. The double gives Cochran, 51 career two baggers, which breaks the former ASU doubles record of 50 held by Kara Brun.
The Sun Devils hit the home field again tomorrow as Pac-10 play continues with ASU hosting the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Tempe at Farrington Stadium.