Softball completes sweep of UCLA with 4-2 win

The No. 7/5 Arizona State softball team completed the sweep of No. 13/12 UCLA, lifted by a three-run inning in the fourth and a 2-for-4 performance from Katelyn Boyd that included her 15th home run of the season.

The sweep marked the second time the Sun Devils (35-4, 7-1 Pac-12) have swept the Bruins (25-10, 2-4 Pac-12) in the series history, which dates back to 1980. It is also the second sweep of the conference season thus far for the Devils, including the three-game series win against rival Arizona.  

UCLA saw its first lead of the series in the first inning, as Katie Schroeder came home on a base hit from Stephany LaRosa. The Bruins then scored their second run on another long-yarder in the third from Andrea Harrison, her second of the weekend after she put up UCLA’s only run in Friday night’s contest, putting the score at 2-0.

The Devils came to life in the fourth driving in two runs to tie the game at 2-2., with four-consecutive singles, a fielder’s choice and a walk. Arizona State took the lead when Katelyn Boyd slid home on a wild pitch, pulling the score to 3-2.

ASU tacked on the final run with a soaring four-bagger from Boyd, for the eventual final score of 4-2. The home run was the senior shortstop’s 15th of the season, tied for ninth in single-season records. It was also the 58th of her career, which puts her two shy of second place in Arizona State’s record books at 60 (held by Mindy Cowles).

Dallas Escobedo recorded 8 strikeouts on the afternoon, earning her 51st win which is 10th all-time for ASU. She is now 14-3 on the season. Bruins pitcher Ally Carda was credited with the loss and falls to 11-4.

UP NEXT:
The Devils travel to Oregon State for a three-game weekday series, beginning with a doubleheader on Tuesday at 2/4 p.m., then a noon game on Wednesday.  

VOTE FOR BOYD FOR THE LOWE'S SENIOR CLASS AWARD | Vote Here
Ten NCAA softball student-athletes who excel both on and off the field were selected as finalists today for the 2012 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Katelyn Boyd has been chosen as one of the 2012 finalist. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence - community, classroom, character and competition. Vote for Katelyn here.