(SALT LAKE CITY, UT) Ninth-ranked Arizona softball completed its sweep of Utah on Sunday with a 13-2 victory over the Utes, UA’s 14th straight win overall and fourth straight sweep to open Pac-12 play. In the process, Arizona outscored Utah 48-3 over the three games, a new school record for runs in a conference series since the Pac-10 moved to three-game series in 2010.
On Sunday, the Cats started slowly, but finished strong, scoring nine runs in the top of the fifth inning to mercy the Utes.
Three Wildcats drove in three or more runs in the game, led by Malia Martinez’s team-high four, three of which came on a bases-loaded double in the fifth. Rylee Pierce homered and drove in three and Jenna Kean had a three-run triple in the fifth as well.
Hillary Edior went a career-best 4-for-4 in the game and drove in a pair of runs for the Cats.
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Jessie Harper went 3-for-3 for the second straight game, giving her seven hits on the weekend. She doubled and scored two runs in the game.
Taylor McQuillin earned her second win of the weekend, allowing two runs on two hits with five strikeouts and one walk. She improved to 14-5 on the season.
The Wildcats improved to 32-7 on the season and a perfect 12-0 in Pac-12 play. The Cats have swept four straight conference series for just the second time since the league moved to three-game series in 2010.
KEY INNINGS
Top 3: Arizona plated four runs in the third. With runners at the corners and one out, Malia Martinez drove in the game’s first run with a groundout before Hillary Edior ripped a single to left to score another. Rylee Pierce followed with a two-run homer to put the Cats on top 4-0. (4-0, UA)
Bottom 4: Utah’s second hit of the game was a two-run home run by Hailey Hilburn to cut Arizona’s lead in half. (4-2, UA)
Top 5: The Cats loaded the bases with no one out on a single and two walks. Hillary Edior blooped a single over shortstop to plate her second run of the day. Rylee Pierce followed with a bases-loaded walk, her third RBI of the day, to give the Cats a 6-2 lead. Two batters later, Jenna Kean tripled the bases clear to put the Cats up 9-2. Reyna Carranco followed with a sacrifice fly. Jessie Harper doubled and Dejah Mulipola walked to re-load the bases for Malia Martinez, who doubled the bases clear. (13-2, UA)
UP NEXT
Arizona will play Grand Canyon next weekend during its Pac-12 bye week. The Wildcats and ‘Lopes meet in a doubleheader on Friday and a single game on Saturday in Phoenix.
Courtesy of Arizona Communicati Services
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