Stanford Downs Nevada In Five Innings

The Cardinal hit three home runs in the game.

	Sophomore Teagan Gerhart hit her first home run of the season Sunday.

Feb. 13, 2011

Nevada Box Score

TEMPE, Ariz. - Behind three home runs, the 18th-ranked Stanford softball team run-ruled Nevada (10-2) in five innings, Sunday, in the final day of the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz. The Cardinal improves to 4-1 on the season, while the Wolfpack falls to 1-4.

Sophomore Teagan Gerhart started the game in the circle, throwing two scoreless innings. Senior Ashley Chinn entered the game in the third inning and picked up the win, improving to 3-0 on the season. Nevada's Mallary Darby took the loss, dropping to 1-2 on the year.

Stanford out hit Nevada 9-3, including three multiple-run home runs by the Cardinal. Gerhart and sophomore second baseman Jenna Rich each tallied a two-run shot in the first inning, while freshman Corey Hanewich registered a three-run homer in the third inning. Rich finished with two hits and three RBI.

The Cardinal came out swinging, scoring five runs in the first inning. Junior Sarah Hassman led off with a double to left centerfield, and then scored on an identical hit by junior shotstop Ashley Hansen. Rich cleared the bases with her two-run home run.

Still in the first inning, freshman designated player Danielle Miller reached on an error by Nevada shortstop Danielle Patrick. She was brought home on Gerhart's home run, putting the Cardinal on top 5-0 after the first.

After being held scoreless in the second inning, Stanford poured in five more runs in the bottom of the third inning, all with two outs. Gerhart drew a walk and then stole second base. She scored on an RBI double by senior Melisa Koutz. Then, with two runners on Hanewich blasted her second home run of the season.

Stanford gave up two runs in the top of the fifth, but it wasn't enough for Nevada as the run-rule went into effect and ended the game after four and a half innings played.

Up next, the Cardinal travels to Las Vegas, Nev., for the UNLV Louisville Slugger Desert Classic, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 18-20. Stanford will face Utah State, Portland State, No. 16 BYU, No. 8 Hawai'i and No. 4 Tennessee.