(Tucson, AZ) Bill McCulloch
After a winning last night 4-1, on strong pitching from both teams, the Cats were looking for more offense in the second game of the home opening conference series.
It didn’t take long in their home half of the first inning as Alyssa Palomino lead off with a walk, Reyna Carranco followed with a single to center field as the Wildcats were already in business. Shortstop Jesse Harper moved the runners over to second and third. Dejah Mulipola got a hit and a throwing error got the first run home.
After a pop out by Aleah Craighton, Malia Martinez singled to right field bringing in two more runs and the Cata lead 3-0 after one inning.
Unfettered, the Utes got it going in the top half of the second. After Alyssa Palacios filed out to center field, Chandler Walter got aboard off a Jesse Harper error and Ally Dickman lined a double to right field putting runners at second and third with one out. Pinch hitter Katie Faulk had an infield single scoring the first run for Utah.
After a pop up, Breonna Castaneda sent a drive over the left field wall for a three run homer and Arizona’s lead was quickly erased as they fell behind 4-3.
Cats pitcher Alyssa Denham didn’t have her best stuff tonight along with some tricky hops and errant throws allowed two unearned runs for the Utes.
In the bottom of the fourth inning with one out, Carli Campbell walked to get things started. Ashleigh Hughes trying to sacrifice Campbell to second legged out the bunt and Arizona was back on track. Palomino got Arizona even at 4-4 with a double to the left field gap.
The Cat’s bats stayed hot as Carranco brought in two more runs with a base hit to left field and regaining a 6-4 lead.
After a wild pitch bounced directly back to the catcher throwing out Carranco, Harper legged out a infield signal and Mulipola crushed a line drive rocket over the left center field wall doubling up Utah 8-4.
Arizona finished off the scoring in the bottom of the sixth inning after two outs Carranco is safe on an infield single and Utah commences to walk three consecutive batters forcing in the ninth and final run.
Utah got two runners on base but could not bring them in as the Wildcats win the series and go for the sweep at noon on Sunday.
Taylor McQuillin came in to save the victory for Alyssa Denham as Arizona upped its PAC-12 record to 4-1.
