(Tucson, AZ) During the Cats last road-trip they saw their twenty one game winning streak snapped to Cal in the second game that went extra innings of a three game series. Arizona bounced back to win the series two games to one.
With the streak over, the Cats now faced #3 Washington. The marquee match-up, Arizona’s Taylor McQuillin went up against Huskies star pitcher Gabbie Plain. She has been nothing short of stellar for UW this season racking up seventeen wins with an ERA of 1.27.
Through the first two innings this game was as advertised, both pitchers kept runs off the scoreboard. McQuillin allowed base runners but kept the Huskies scoreless in first and second innings.
In the third inning McQuillin regained control, sitting down the first two batters with ease.
The Huskies got things going with a Sis Bates hit into center field to put a runner on with two outs. This brought Washington’s power hitter Morganne Flores to the plate looking to bring in Bates. With Flores battling McQuillin on every pitch, she ultimately lifted a seemingly weak fly ball to center field that carried just far enough to get over the wall for a two-run home run.
In the bottom half of the third inning Arizona got two runners on and put pressure on Plain with the middle of the order due up. Both Cat runners advanced into scoring position on a fielders choice ground out by Reyna Carranco. Jessie Harper had an opportunity to get the Cats on the board, but grounded to second with the Huskies getting Carli Campbell out at the plate. Zona still had another chance as Deja Mulipola walked to load the bases. Malia Martinez grounded out on the second pitch ending the inning with three runners left on base.
Arizona left nine runners on and went four for eighteen hitting .222 with runners in scoring position. Plain had the Cats out in front all night long with how she was able to change the speed of her pitches.
McQuillin after giving up the two runs in the third inning was able to get back on track and put up zeros the rest of the night.
There was a tense moment in the fifth inning when Sami Reynolds hit a hard line drive off McQuillin’s knee. She stayed in the game seemed unfazed. The Huskies only had three hits in the game and stranded five runners on base. This game turned into an old fashion pitchers duel.
Arizona made some noise in the bottom of the seventh giving the Huskies a scare. The Cats were in scoring position with two out and Harper at the plate looking to extend the rally. She hit a liner right back up the middle to score Hannah “Peanut” Martinez from third. Without hesitation, Washington made a pitching change and brought in Taran Alvelo. Plain pitched six and two thirds innings on hundred and eleven pitches, but only two strikeouts.
With Alvelo in the game the Cats had Mulipola at the plate in a matchup of power and strength. Alvelo went right after her by striking Mulipola out on just three pitch, using nothing but blazing heat that ended all hope of the comeback.
This game had it all in terms of a playoff atmosphere with the crowd and the competitive play between two top ten teams.
Arizona faces Washington in game two Saturday at 1 p.m. and broadcasted on the PAC-12 Networks.
Click on our sponsors logo for race information
