(Tucson, AZ) Thursday night Arizona was looking to improve its record to (10-5) on the season, with the Drake Bulldogs coming to town with a record of (10-4). Drake is coming off a huge 3-1 win over former #12 Arkansas.
The past weekend Arizona had a successful stay in Palm Springs going three and one with a big win over #20 Oklahoma State. Still, the one loss was against #4 Oklahoma which puts the Wildcats at 0-3 versus top ten teams.
Both Arizona and Drake couldn’t get anything going offensively in the first inning. As usual though, ace pitcher Taylor McQuillin was locked in from the start striking out two of the first three outs and pitching shutout innings to start the game. The only hit that McQuillin gave up in the first two innings was a little jam shot that landed in between the pitcher’s circle and first base.
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Arizona’s offense tried to get things going in the second inning when two runners got on with one out. Much like this season the bottom half of the order came up empty with the scoring opportunity leaving both runners on base. Runners left on base has become common theme for Arizona so far this season.
The bats came alive in the bottom of the third inning for the Wildcats racking up four hits and three runs. The two main players in that inning for the Cats were Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza and Dejah Mulipola. Both went deep, Palomino-Cardoza with a solo shot and a two–run blast from Mulipola. That got Arizona back on track.
Through five innings of play McQuillin was sharp striking out six Bulldogs, but did allow four walks. She gave up two hits.
Outside the third inning the Wildcats offense had been held in check by Drake pitcher Nicole Timmons.
Arizona added another run in the sixth inning again with the long ball from Tamara Statman, her third of the season. That was all the Wildcats could would need.
Arizona finished the game with a 4-0 victory over the Drake improving to 11-5. McQuillin finished the game striking out ten batters on two hits and stranding five Drake runners.
Arizona plays Drake again on Friday as part of the Wildcat Invitational.
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