April 8, 2005
TEMPE, Ariz. - Same story, different game, as this time the 17th-ranked Arizona State University softball team (26-11, 1-4 Pac-10) surrendered a single unearned run in the second inning to 25th-ranked Oregon (23-11, 3-2 Pac-10) as the Sun Devils dropped their second straight 1-0 Pac-10 game on Friday night at Farrington Stadium. The Ducks turned three double plays in the game to end any ASU scoring opportunity.
ASU starting pitcher Katie Burkhart (10-6) suffered another tough loss, allowing only three hits with 11 strikeouts. Burkhart continued to lower her ERA to 0.71 and extend her strikeout total to 164. She also recorded her sixth double-digit strikeout game of the year.
Playing against their eighth straight Top-25 team (7 of past 8 against Top-10 team)
The Ducks scored the lone run in the second inning off two hits and one ASU error. Ann Marie Topps opened the inning with a single to left field. T.J. Eadus then put down a sacrifice bunt, but it was misplayed by first basemen Ashley Werschky as Eadus reached first and Topps to second. After Burkhart struck out the next batter, Kayleen Hudson singled to left to load the bases. Erin Goodell followed with a ground out to second to score Topps for the eventual game-winning 1-0 advantage. Burkhart gave up only one more hit after the second inning, a single in the sixth inning.
ASU had its best opportunity to break open the game in the bottom of the fourth. Bridgette Caron opened with a walk off Oregon starting pitcher Amy Harris (12-5). Jen McCard then singled to right advancing Caron to second. Mindy Cowles followed with a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to second and third. Oregon then elected to intentionally walk Valerie Sevilla to load the bases. But, Harris got Heidi Knabe to hit into an inning ending double play.
Harris went the distance for the Ducks allowing four hits, three walks and two strikeouts.
Up next, the Sun Devils will play against their ninth straight Top-25 team -- seven of past nine against Top-10 team - as they host 13th-ranked Oregon State on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.