Tempe, Ariz. --- Senior Kindra Hackbarth led off both games with solo home runs to open up the Sun Devil offense in the second day of the ASU Invitational. No. 17/15 Arizona State softball (19-7) took down Big Ten opponent Nebraska 7-3 and run-ruled Lehigh 16-0 Saturday night.
"Kindra today was pretty impressive with lead off home runs in both games. When we set the tone we're in a good spot," said head coach Trisha Ford. "We talked about it and we were way more focused today and I loved our bite today."
ASU 7, Nebraska 3
In the circle, Cielo Meza went three up and three down to start the first. In the bottom half of the frame, Kindra Hackbarth worked the count to lead off with a solo home run to center field.
The Sun Devils and Huskers went back and forth for two innings before Nebraska would tie the Devils 1-1 in the top of the fourth. ASU bounced back with a double over the left fielder by Alli Tatnall to bring in Alynah Torres to regain the lead.
In the following inning, Nebraska would tack on two more runs for a 3-2 lead.
Tatnall's offensive momentum continued for the rest of the Sun Devils in the bottom half of the fifth with four runs in four hits. With two outs on the board Maddi Hackbarth dropped a double down the right field line to bring in Makenna Harper to tie 3-3. DeNae Chatman followed with a single that dropped on the outskirts of the infield with pinch runner Savannah Morales coming in to score.
To finish the game in the sixth, Chatman singled up the middle to bring in K. Hackbarth for the final run against the Huskers.
ASU 16, Lehigh 0
In a deja vu fashion, Kindra Hackbarth hit her second lead off home run on the day to give the Devils an early 1-0 lead over the Lehigh. With the bases loaded and one out, Alynah Torres was walked, moving the runners around to extend the lead. Alli Tatnall and Halle Harger hit back to back RBI singles.
Makenna Harper followed with a sac-fly making the game 6-0. K. Hackbarth blasted a RBI single up the middle. Maddi Hackbarth doubled to right center bringing home her sister and Jazmyn Hill. Bella Loomis hit the third single of the inning, advancing Chatman and M. Hackbarth scored. Alynah Torres tripled to center field, bringing home Loomis and Chatman for a 12-0 lead.
For the second inning, coach Ford put freshman Jordyn VanHook, freshman Macy Simmons and sophomore Miley McLemore in to replace starters. With the bases loaded, McLemore was walked allowing VanHook to score.
In the third, VanHook blasted a solo homer to left field for her second home run of the season and the 16 run for the Devils.
Up Next: The Sun Devils will play in the final day of the ASU Invitational tomorrow, Sunday, March 8 for another doubleheader. ASU will play Lehigh (6-6) at 4:30 p.m. MST and Ohio State (8-7) at 7:00 p.m. MST at Farrington Stadium in Tempe. Follow along with Sun Devil softball all season long on Twitter @ASUSoftball.