Washington Shuts Out Northwestern After Eight Innings

Sunday, March 5

Fullerton, Calif.

9:00 AM

University of Washington

15-3

Northwestern

6-12

Washington

Northwestern

March 05, 2017 | Softball

Box Score Final Box

FULLERTON, Calif. – The University of Washington Huskies came out on top after battling for eight innings with the Northwestern Wildcats. The two teams remained scoreless through seven innings but three runs scored in the top of the eighth inning gave Washington (15-3) the 3-0 win.

RHP Madi Schreyer started in the circle for the Huskies and retired six straight batters in the game. She pitched five innings and gave up only three hits. Sophomore RHP Taran Alvelo came in as relief in the sixth inning and handed out two strikeouts and allowed only two hits.

The Wildcats (6-12) threatened to score in the bottom of the first with bases loaded and one out. The batter tapped the ball to Maggie Gallagher at third base who tossed it to catcher Morganne Flores to tag a runner out at home. The Huskies escaped the jam and headed into the second inning still tied at 0-0.

The Huskies' offense remained quiet until the top of the sixth inning after Taylor Van Zee led off with a single. Sis Bates followed suit with a bunt to get her on first and allowed Van Zee to move to second. The scoring opportunity looked even better for the Purple and Gold after a fielding error by the third baseman moved Van Zee to third. Her pursuit was put to a stop after Kirstyn Thomas hit the ball to the pitcher and got Van Zee out at home.

In the top of the seventh, the Huskies had the go ahead runs on the corners with one out. However, a batter's interference and a ground out to first base left Gibson and Stangel stranded.

Washington brought in Alvelo in the sixth inning to relieve Schreyer. The pair did not give up a hit for four innings.

In accordance with the International Tie Breaker rule, Van Zee, the last batter for the Huskies started the eighth inning on second base while Bates took to the plate. The freshman singled and moved Van Zee to third. Another single from Flores moved the pair up one base, giving the Huskies the 1-0 advantage.

Thomas hit the ball to the right side and a throwing error by the Wildcats' third baseman allowed the Huskies to advance a base, bringing in a second run.

Leading 2-0 with one out, pinch hitter Alyssa Simons hit a sacrifice fly to right field and plated Flores from third.

The Huskies held on to their 3-0 lead in the bottom of the frame after allowing zero hits and ended the game.

Next weekend the Huskies will play at home for the first time this season during the annual Husky Classic. The Classic consists of 11 games between Washington, Penn State, Seattle University, South Dakota and Minnesota. Washington will play in five games beginning at 3:45 p.m. PT on Friday, March 10 when the Huskies open against Minnesota.