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Softball Goes Logging, Wins Series vs. Cardinal

by thesundevils.com
Apr 11, 2021

TEMPE, Ariz.-- Solo homers were just what the doctor ordered for the Sun Devils in their victory over the Cardinal on Sunday as three runs came off of the deep threat. Arizona State (24-10. 6-6) defeated Stanford (23-11, 4-6), 4-2, and clinched the series after picking up the 10-6 win in Saturday's conference game. ASU also collected the win in the non-conference bout against Stanford on Saturday night. 

"Friday was not what I would say is ASU Softball. It was a big challenge to them (the team) of how we were going to respond," said head coach Ford noted. "For me, it was really about our response to our game. Conference is hard… it's a grind. For me it was what are they going to look like? What is their response going to be? It was huge to see us respond and play our type of game."

And the team sure responded. ASU homered in three straight games, and tallied eight in this three-game span. The Hackbarth twins have combined for four of those home runs, including two today, as Maddi Hackbarth is just three homers shy of tying the program's record.

Lindsay Lopez got the start in the circle for ASU, and dominated from the first pitch, forcing the Cardinal into 13 groundouts in 25 at-bats. Lopez allowed just four hits through seven innings, with two of them coming in the top of the seventh in Stanford's late rally. Today's victory was her 11th win, which leads the pitching staff. 

"I think Lindsay was cruising today," said Maddi Hackbarth. "That's what coach said after the game, but I think as the game went on and we got more runs put on the board she felt better in the circle, and I think that she got better in her spots, pitch location, and velocity. I think she did a really good job and did what Lindsay Lopez does."

Up Next: The Arizona State softball team will stay home to host the school from down south for four games at Farrington April 16-18. All four games will be viewable via the Pac 12 Network.

ASU 4, Stanford 2
HOW IT HAPPENED

  • Lopez stranded a two out single, and Kindra Hackbarth went yard to put ASU up 1-0 in the bottom of the first.
  • Stanford went one, two, three in the second while the Sun Devils left a one out single on base.
  • Another three up three out inning for Lopez in the top of the third sent the Sun Devils to the plate. Jazmine Hill sent one over the fence in center to extend the lead 2-0. ASU stranded M. Hackbarth's walk. 
  • Two Cardinal batters reach, but a double play gets sent it to the bottom of the fourth. Brittany Holland walked, and a Loomis hit to right advanced her to third, and she scored off of an error to make it a 3-0 game. ASU was caught stealing at third to end the inning.
  • Lopez forced three groundouts in the top of the fourth, and in the home half of the inning M. Hackbarth sent a solo shot to right center to make it a 4-0 game. 
  • Through six, Lopez allowed just two hits in 19 at-bats. 
  • Stanford picked up two runs with one out in the top of the seventh. Lopez retired the final two batters to secure the win. 

STRAIGHT FACTS:

  • Lopez leads the pitching staff with her 2.58 ERA.
  • Maddi Hackbarth has 17 home runs, and is three shy of tying the program's season record.
  • Jazmine Hill finished the weekend with a 0.727 batting average against Stanford in the four game series- including five runs, eight hits, two doubles, one triple, two home runs, and four RBI's. Her slugging percentage was 1.636 on the weekend, and in her 11 at-bats she did not record a strike out.

QUOTES:
Maddi Hackbarth:

Q: On the full team effort this weekend…
A: It's really important especially as we're getting through the middle of the pac (play). I think it's very important that the lineup is seeing the ball and hitting the ball well. It's a confidence booster for everybody, especially our pitching staff, knowing that we have their back. 

Q: On hitting over the weekend…
A: I felt better this weekend. Personally, I got back to just the simple things. See ball hit ball. I was trying to square at balls, and I think I did a very good job of doing that. Took my looks when they gave them to me, and got my hits when I needed them. 

Q: On Lindsay's performance…
A: I think Lindsay was cruising today. That's what coach said after the game, but I think as the game went on and we got more runs put on the board she felt better in the circle, and I think that she got better in her spots, pitch location, velo. I think she did a really good job and did what Lindsay lopez does. 

Q: On excitement to host Arizona next weekend…
A: Very excited. I'm happy that we're hosting, especially in my last year. I am excited to see my teammates and what kind of passion comes out of them knowing that it's a rivalry. I think I have a little bit more passion that's going to come out just because it's my last year, but I'm very excited to have fans. 

Kindra Hackbarth:

Q: On the first pitcher working low in the zone for the first at-bat…
A: We were just spinning on the balls that came out of her hand that were lower than our knees because we knew it was going to be a ball by the time it got to us. I just wanted to bring it up, and hit it. We are kind of good at the drop ball, but once it's up in the zone we are excellent at that.

Q: On the series win and team's improvements heading into U of A weekend…
A: I feel like we came together as a whole after the first game on Friday. There's always room for improvement, so we'll watch our film and see what we can do to be better for next week.

Coach Ford: 

Q: On the team's improvements headed into the UArizona Series…
A: "Friday was not what I would say is ASU Softball. It was a big challenge to them (the team) of how we were going to respond. For me, it was really about our response to our game."

 

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