CORVALLIS, Ore. – Kelsey Kessler tossed an absolute gem of a game but the Sun Devil offense was unable to provide her with the run support she needed as the Arizona State University softball dropped the opener of its three-game series against Oregon State, 1-0, on Thursday afternoon.
Kessler struck out 10 Beavers and walked just one batter, allowing just four hits as she shut out Oregon State through six innings. But Natalie Hampton singled to lead off the bottom of the seventh and her pinch runner advanced to second on a sac bunt. Pinch hitter Christie Langlois knocked a two-out single to center field to drive home the game-winning run.
The Sun Devils were unable to solve Beaver ace Meehra Nelson as the freshman shut out ASU for just the second time this season, striking out three and allowing just three hits.
ASU had its best opportunity in the top of the sixth as Jenn Soria doubled down the right field line and took third on an error with just one out. Soria attempted to take home on Abby Spiel’s chopper down the left field line but was ruled out on a bang-bang play at the plate to end the threat. It was the only runner the Sun Devils would get into scoring position in the game.
Despite the exceptional effort, Kessler took the loss – her fourth loss of the season where she’s allowed one or fewer earned runs.
The Sun Devils will look to rebound in Game Two, scheduled for tomorrow at 2 p.m. PT and set to be broadcast on Pac-12 Arizona/Oregon.