CATHEDRAL CITY – The Arizona State softball team lost its first two games since the Kajikawa Classic two weeks ago on day three of the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. The Sun Devils fell to No. 7 Florida, 4-1 to start the double header and subsequently dropped the next game against Notre Dame, 7-3.
Game 1: ASU 1, Florida 4
The scoreboard stayed at zeroes for both dugouts through four innings before a hit by pitch pushed loaded Florida bases home for one run. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Makenna Harper was hit by a pitch before Kindra Hackbarth was intentionally walked. Bella loomis hit an RBI single up the middle that sent pinch runner Olivia Miller home to tie the score at 1-1.
The Gators immediately answered back, scoring three runs in the top of the fourth inning. Neither the Sun Devils or Gators produced any more offense through the seventh inning for the final result of 4-1.
Madison Preston pitched six innings, throwing five strikeouts and four walks in 31 batters faced.
Game 2: ASU 3, Notre Dame 7
The Fighting Irish knocked on the door early, collecting two runs to open the game against the Sun Devils. Notre Dame extended the lead 3-0 at the top of the second as Samantha Mejia entered the game for starter Cielo Meza.
The Sun Devils couldn't contain ND's scoring chances, collecting another three runs in the top of the fourth. ASU had its only offensive production of the game at the bottom of the inning. Jazmine Hill hit a leadoff single and advanced to second on an error at first base with Maddi Hackbarth next at-bat. M. Hackbarth hit her third home run of the season to deep center field. Halle Harger then took the plate with Alli Tatnall and Denae Chatman on first and second. Harger reached first on a throwing error by the Irish pitcher that brough Tatnall to score the final run for the Sun Devils.
ASU dropped the game against Notre Dame, 7-3. Mejia threw 5.2 innings, a season-high, with only three hits and three walks in 23 batters faced.
Game 1: ASU 1, Florida 4
The scoreboard stayed at zeroes for both dugouts through four innings before a hit by pitch pushed loaded Florida bases home for one run. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Makenna Harper was hit by a pitch before Kindra Hackbarth was intentionally walked. Bella loomis hit an RBI single up the middle that sent pinch runner Olivia Miller home to tie the score at 1-1.
The Gators immediately answered back, scoring three runs in the top of the fourth inning. Neither the Sun Devils or Gators produced any more offense through the seventh inning for the final result of 4-1.
We come up just short against No. 7 Florida. Redemption coming up in 20 minutes #OnTheBoat pic.twitter.com/lpt0dXUna8
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) February 23, 2020
Madison Preston pitched six innings, throwing five strikeouts and four walks in 31 batters faced.
Game 2: ASU 3, Notre Dame 7
The Fighting Irish knocked on the door early, collecting two runs to open the game against the Sun Devils. Notre Dame extended the lead 3-0 at the top of the second as Samantha Mejia entered the game for starter Cielo Meza.
The Sun Devils couldn't contain ND's scoring chances, collecting another three runs in the top of the fourth. ASU had its only offensive production of the game at the bottom of the inning. Jazmine Hill hit a leadoff single and advanced to second on an error at first base with Maddi Hackbarth next at-bat. M. Hackbarth hit her third home run of the season to deep center field. Halle Harger then took the plate with Alli Tatnall and Denae Chatman on first and second. Harger reached first on a throwing error by the Irish pitcher that brough Tatnall to score the final run for the Sun Devils.
?? HOME RUN ??@maddihack sends this ball GONE
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) February 23, 2020
?? @FloSoftball ?? https://t.co/CdMmjz6wYK pic.twitter.com/rGuHYx6kL4
ASU dropped the game against Notre Dame, 7-3. Mejia threw 5.2 innings, a season-high, with only three hits and three walks in 23 batters faced.
We'll learn from this #OnTheBoat pic.twitter.com/CrMO7WGmaN
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) February 23, 2020