April 13, 2008
TEMPE, Ariz. - A valiant 11 strikeout, six hits allowed effort from Katie Burkhart wasn't enough Sunday afternoon as lack of execution doomed the No. 1 ASU Softball team in their match-up against No. 23 Washington. The Huskies took a 3-0 win for the first shutout of ASU's 2008 season and first loss in Farrington Stadium since May 11, 2007. The loss puts ASU at 44-3 overall and 8-1 in conference play and Washington 25-14-1 overall and 4-5 in the Pac-10.
Burkhart took the field in an unexpected move after pitching three complete game wins over the week, where Washington took advantage in the first as they compiled a two out rally, plating two runs off of three consecutive hits to jump ahead 2-0.
The game remained 2-0 through five innings with the Sun Devils placing runners in scoring position in each inning, but unable to pull the trigger to bring anyone home, leaving 11 baserunners stranded on the day.
The loss wraps the Sun Devils 2008 Pac-10 opening weekend. Their season continues on tomorrow as they host a non-conference doubleheader taking on the UNLV Rebels in Tempe at Farrington Stadium. First pitch for game one is at 1 p.m. with game two following at approximately 3:30 p.m. PT.