TEMPE, Ariz. -- In the final game of the 2018 Littlewood Classic, the No. 18 Arizona State softball team defeated the San Diego Toreros 7-0 to remain perfect through the three-day event and move to 9-1 on the season.
The Sun Devils got the scoring started in the bottom of the first inning, taking advantage of a San Diego wild pitch to take an early 1-0 lead. The Sun Devils added two more off of a single to center field by Maddi Hackbarth that brought in Morgan Howe and Jade Gortarez.
ASU continued a strong offensive effort in the second inning. Howe got things started with an RBI. The Devils added three more on a Nichole Chilson homer to right center, bringing in Hackbarth and Howe.
"[Getting the hit] felt really good," Chilson said. "It was a change-up and I've been working on that a lot so finally driving (one) felt really good."
Defensively, pitcher G Juarez kept the Toreros scoreless through all seven innings, allowing just three hits on the day.
"I have a ton of confidence in her," said head coach Trisha Ford. "She came out today and she did well. She hit a couple bumps, but that's what we're going to deal with early in the season."
On the weekend, the Sun Devils outhit opponents 37-15, leading to a 28-4 ASU advantage in runs scored. In the circle, ASU pitchers gave up just four runs over four games, holding opposing hitters to a miniscule .167 batting average on the weekend.
The Sun Devils continue non-conference play next week as they head to Palm Springs, Calif. for the Mary Nutter Classic. The Sun Devils will match up against Mississippi State, Oklahoma, LIU Brooklyn, Liberty and Cal State Fullerton starting Thursday, and continuing through Sunday.
Fans can stay up to date with the Sun Devils during the 2018 season by following @ASUSoftball on Twitter and @SunDevilSB Instagram
The Sun Devils got the scoring started in the bottom of the first inning, taking advantage of a San Diego wild pitch to take an early 1-0 lead. The Sun Devils added two more off of a single to center field by Maddi Hackbarth that brought in Morgan Howe and Jade Gortarez.
ASU continued a strong offensive effort in the second inning. Howe got things started with an RBI. The Devils added three more on a Nichole Chilson homer to right center, bringing in Hackbarth and Howe.
"[Getting the hit] felt really good," Chilson said. "It was a change-up and I've been working on that a lot so finally driving (one) felt really good."
B2 | See ya later, ball ??#Devils lead 7-0. pic.twitter.com/E3JPOjvv3W
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) February 18, 2018
Defensively, pitcher G Juarez kept the Toreros scoreless through all seven innings, allowing just three hits on the day.
G with the 3-hit Shutout today! ?? #GoDevils
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) February 18, 2018
Final Line: 7 IP, 9 K, 65 ST pic.twitter.com/OdiaMAH64Q
"I have a ton of confidence in her," said head coach Trisha Ford. "She came out today and she did well. She hit a couple bumps, but that's what we're going to deal with early in the season."
On the weekend, the Sun Devils outhit opponents 37-15, leading to a 28-4 ASU advantage in runs scored. In the circle, ASU pitchers gave up just four runs over four games, holding opposing hitters to a miniscule .167 batting average on the weekend.
Undefeated on the weekend ?? pic.twitter.com/Fnh8x5mAQo
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) February 18, 2018
The Sun Devils continue non-conference play next week as they head to Palm Springs, Calif. for the Mary Nutter Classic. The Sun Devils will match up against Mississippi State, Oklahoma, LIU Brooklyn, Liberty and Cal State Fullerton starting Thursday, and continuing through Sunday.
Fans can stay up to date with the Sun Devils during the 2018 season by following @ASUSoftball on Twitter and @SunDevilSB Instagram