March 20, 2003
TEMPE, Ariz. - The 13th-ranked Arizona State softball team split an exhibition doubleheader against the Canadian National Team at Farrington Stadium, winning 9-1 in a run-ruled five inning first game and falling 4-1 in the second.
In the first game, Phelan Wright led the charge with a 2-for-4 five RBI game as pitcher Desiree Serrano held the Canadian National Team to one run on six hits. ASU posted one run in the first off of a Wright groundout and four more in the second. Billie Akauola scored the first run in the in the four run second on error by the second baseman, one of four committed by the Canadian National Team. Kristin Farber then tallied an RBI as she reached on a fielder's choice as Wright recorded two more RBIs as she singled to center.
In the fourth inning, Jennifer Forner opened the frame with a single to right and moved to second on a sacrifice by Farber. Kara Brun then reached on another error by Canadian shortstop Angela Litchty as Forner went to third. Wright then singled to center again to drive in Forner for her fourth RBI.
The national team got one back in the fifth inning when ASU center fielder Joy Hull lost the ball in the sun, allowing Rachel Schill to come home from first. The Devils then ended the game in the bottom of the fifth with three more runs.
Kelly Zeilstra started for the Canadian National Team and suffered the loss, allowing six runs, one earned on six hits. Auburn Sigurdson pitched the final two-thirds, giving up two hits and three runs.
In the second game, Brun's solo home run over the left field fence to break a scoreless tie in the fourth inning was the only run the Devils could manage off Canadian pitcher Ani Nyhus. The national team posted all four runs in the fifth inning. With the bases loaded Schill singled to center field off ASU starter Ashley Werschky to drive in two runs. Susan Aguilar then replaced Werschky, but gave up another base loaded single to Erin White to plate the final two runners. Cheryl Evans pitched a perfect final two innings for the Devils with two strikeouts.
Up next, the Devils open Pac-10 play hosting Oregon on Friday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m.