Arizona Softball run rules Oregon to win their first Pac-12 series

TUCSON, AZ – After run ruling Oregon in game three, Arizona Softball (23-15, 4-11) was able to come away with their first Pac-12 series win in 2022. 

It was a great start this weekend for Arizona Softball as the Wildcats took game one against the Ducks by an 11-8 final. But after dropping game two, the Wildcats were able to bounce back in a big way, run ruling Oregon to take the overall series.

Once again, Arizona showed its inconsistency and youth this year, as they were able to win game one despite the Cats’ pitchers being roughed up.

Tied at 8-8 late into the game, the Wildcats were able to get some timely hits late, escaping with the 11-8 win over the Ducks.

Unfortunately, they followed that up by being dominated by the Ducks in game two, only to come away with the thrilling game three win in which the Cats whipped Oregon!

However, the bigger story here was that even with their inconsistencies, Arizona Softball picked up their first Pac-12 series of 2022.

Game 2:

Turning to Hanah Bowen in game two, the Wildcats’ senior starter would have a rough day as she surrendered four runs on four hits. Bowen would last just an inning and a third.

Madi Elish would replace her, but her day wouldn’t be much better as the Wildcats’ reliever surrendered six runs (four earned) on five hits.

Unfortunately, the bats would be rather quiet in this one as the Wildcats were only able to plate just three runs on two hits, falling to the Ducks by an 11-3 final in five innings played.

Game 3:

Turning to Devyn Netz in game three, the Wildcat starter wouldn’t have her best stuff as she surrendered four runs on seven hits through four innings pitched, but luckily, it was just enough in this one.

Arizona brought out the bats in game three, hitting early and often as the Cats plated three runs in the first, one in the third, five in the fourth, and three in the fifth to come away with the dominant, 12-4 win.

Led behind the stellar play of Sharlize Palacios, the Wildcats’ catcher would have a monstrous day at the plate, finishing 3-3 with five RBIs and a home run.

Arizona would also get great contributions from Izzy Pacho and Blaise Biringer to earn their first Pac-12 series win in 2022.

Where does Arizona Softball go from here?

With the wins, Arizona improves to 23-15 (4-11) on the year and will return to action on Tuesday when they take on UTEP for a double-header. The Wildcats will then follow that up with a three-game series at Utah next weekend.