After a 9-0 start to the ASU softball season, the Sun Devils (10-2) faced their biggest challenge yet on day one of the 2017 Mary Nutter Classic.
After ASU's first loss on Monday to Boston College, the team was eager to get back into the winning momentum they built from the first two tournaments of the season.
“It’s such a prestigious tournament that has just about anyone in the top 25 and we’re just excited to get out there and compete again and get that loss off of our shoulders,” head coach Trisha Ford said Wednesday, just days before the start of the tournament.
No. 21 ASU loses 2-1 to No. 18 Texas A&M in extra innings
Both teams stuck with their starting pitchers through the entirety of the extra-inning duel.
Sun Devil freshman pitcher Giselle Juarez (2-1) threw a scoreless eight innings with 84 strikes, while walking just two through 8.1 innings. However, Juarez gave up two runs in the ninth to hand ASU its second straight loss.
On the opposing side, the Aggies' junior pitcher Lexi Smith (5-0) remained undefeated. She allowed a lone run off of three hits, eight walks, and 11 strikeouts through nine innings.
ASU's only run in the game came off a bases-loaded walk in the ninth from senior catcher Sashel Palacios.
The Aggies' bats then came alive and started their offensive spark. Sophomore pitcher Samantha Show utilized her strength to power a two-run double to center field, walking it off for Texas A&M.
Breanna Macha leads ASU to a bounce-back win against Notre Dame
The Sun Devils didn't repeat their lack of offense in game two, which helped them pick up a win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 3-1.
ASU led early from an RBI single off the bat of redshirt junior infielder Margaret Stahm – her fifth RBI of the season.The Sun Devils would lead 1-0 until the fourth inning.
Macha (3-1, 0.85 ERA) had a no hit shutout until the fourth inning, when the Fighting Irish fought their way back into the game with a groundout to second to tie ASU 1-1.
The tie wouldn't last long. In fifth inning the Sun Devils took advantage of a sloppy Notre Dame defense. Junior third baseman Brynley Steele scored off a throwing error, putting ASU up 2-1.
Junior outfielder Nichole Chilson chimed in with a sacrifice fly that would give the Sun Devils a 3-1 lead and later, the win.
FINAL:
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) February 24, 2017
Sun Devils fight back in the Friday doubleheader to top Notre Dame 3-1! #IgniteTheFight pic.twitter.com/sAWNungzkK
To continue the Mary Nutter Classic, ASU will take on the Texas Longhorns Saturday at 2:30 p.m. MST.
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