The University of Utah softball team opened their Big 12 Conference schedule with a 9-5 extra-inning victory over the No. 21/No. 22 ranked Arizona State Sun Devils on Friday night at Farrington Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.
Utah’s win marks their ninth consecutive victory, improving their overall record to 19-5 and giving them a 1-0 start in conference play.
“One down and 23 to go,” said coach Amy Hogue. “Conference season is upon us and there is nothing like starting with a W on the road. I am so happy for Raci [Miranda] to come home and earn this start and get this win. She’s worked hard for this moment and the team found a way to get some runs for her.
“Our defense played well behind Raci today. Our hitters put pressure on them and our defense ended up having the better night.”
Arizona State took an early lead by scoring twice in the second inning, but Utah pitcher Raci Miranda kept ASU scoreless over the next five innings, allowing only two hits during that stretch while retiring ten batters consecutively.
Utah responded quickly when Kennedy Proctor hit her sixth home run of the season in the third inning, cutting ASU’s lead to one run. In the fifth inning, Danika Wilson reached base with an infield single and later scored from first to tie the game at 2-2.
The teams remained tied until extra innings, when Utah’s offense produced seven runs in the eighth. The rally began after an error and two walks loaded the bases for Hailee White, who singled to drive in the go-ahead run. Additional errors by ASU allowed more runs, including two on one miscue and another following a bases-loaded walk drawn by Wilson. RBI singles from Payton Crank and Emily Capobianco extended Utah’s lead further.
ASU attempted a comeback by scoring three runs in their half of the eighth inning but was unable to overcome Utah’s advantage. With two outs and runners threatening, Hailey Maestretti induced a groundout from Ashleigh Mejia to secure Utah’s win.
The Utes will face Arizona State again on Saturday at 4 p.m. MST.
Fans can follow updates about Utah softball through their social media channels: Twitter (@Utah_Softball), Instagram (@utahsoftball), or Facebook (Facebook.com/Utessoftball).
