Feb. 14, 2003
TEMPE, Ariz. - Senior Kara Brun's two run double in the fifth inning helped to lead the 13th-ranked Arizona State softball team (7-3) to a 4-1 victory over Illinois State (3-4) during the Sun Devils opening game of the Louisville Slugger Tournament at Farrington Stadium. Brun's double was the 40th of her career, making her Arizona State's all-time leader in that category.
ISU gained its sole run, an unearned run, off ASU starting pitcher Desiree Serrano (4-2) in the top of the first to take the early lead. But the Devils answered quickly with two of their own in the bottom half. Kristin Farber hit a bunt to get on first and then advanced to second by a Brun ground out. Phelan Wright followed with a single to center field, scoring Farber to tie the game.
Adriana Garcia followed with another single, moving Wright to second. Cheryl Evans then popped a single to short right field that appeared to be caught by the diving Redbird's right fielder Abbie Scott, but the umpire signaled no catch as Wright came around for the second run.
Serrano then took over the game and limited the Redbirds to only five hits, while striking out 10.
In the earlier game, Illinois State defeated Iowa, 5-3.
The tournament will resume on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. when Utah State will face Illinois State. Arizona State's next game is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. against Iowa and 7:00 p.m. against Illinois State.