March 13, 2002
FULLERTON, Calif. - Phelan Wright's single in the top of the eighth inning, driving in Nichole Thompson from third base was the difference in the game as eighth-ranked Arizona State (24-6) topped Texas (20-8), 3-2 in eight innings to open pool play at the KIA Klassic Tournament in Fullerton, California.
The Sun Devils jumped on Texas pitcher Cat Osterman with two runs in the third inning. Kirsten Voak opened the frame with a solo blast to left field, her first home run this season. After one out, Missy Hixon earned a walk and then was sacrificed to second by Thompson. Wright then doubled home Hixon for the second run.
Texas would get one run back in the fifth inning when Tamara Poppe opened the inning with a solo home run to center field. The Longhorns then struck again in the bottom of the seventh off of a double and a fielder's choice.
Erica Beach started the game, going six innings before being relived by Kristen Swetel (3-0) who came in with one on and no outs. Swetel then gave up a single to give Texas runners on first and third. She then got the next Texas batter to pop out and proceeded to get the next batter to line into a 4-3 double play to get out of the jam and head the game into extra innings.
In the eighth, Thompson was placed on second (international tiebreaker rule) and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Wright followed with a sharp single to center to drive in Thompson for the eventual winning run.
In the bottom of the eighth, Voak then came in in relief of Swetel and struck out the side to post her second save of the year. Wright paced the Sun Devils with a 2-for-4, two RBI night.
Up next, Arizona State will continue pool play, facing New Mexico on Friday at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific).