Arizona Softball

Arizona wins softball series over ASU, evens Territorial Cup standings

By Javier Morales

Posted on April 22, 2018

Arizona’s softball team entered the weekend series at ASU mired in a seven-game conference losing streak, but the No. 13 Wildcats reversed their fortunes by winning the three-game series over their arch-rivals.

Arizona pitcher Taylor McQuillin battled to an eight-inning 4-2 win over No. 8 ASU tonight, allowing the Wildcats to take the series after they won Saturday 4-1 behind sophomore Alyssa Denham’s two-hitter.

That’s three straight series victories for Arizona over Arizona State 😼 https://t.co/PTbwhnePls

— Arizona Softball (@ArizonaSoftball) April 23, 2018

McQuillin (20-9) also had a two-hitter in the series opener Friday but ASU rallied in the seventh to win 2-1 with a walk-off double.

The win over ASU today improves Arizona’s record to 31-13 overall and 8-10 in the Pac-12. The Wildcats host New Mexico on Wednesday before playing a three-game series against Oregon State at Hillenbrand Stadium starting Friday.

The victory also tied the Territorial Cup standings between Arizona and ASU at 8 points. Outcomes yet to be decided: Men’s and women’s golf, baseball and men’s and women’s track and field. To clinch the Territorial Cup a school must achieve 11 points.

Arizona’s Alyssa Palomino belted her 15th home run of the season today, a two-run shot in the sixth inning that gave the Wildcats a 2-1 lead. Palomino now has 33 RBIs this season.

Clutch 👊

Jessie Harper's RBI double broke a tie in extras and handed @ArizonaSoftball the rivalry rubber match. It's the @OpusBank #12Best Moment! pic.twitter.com/ItrNGkymiy

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) April 23, 2018

After ASU tied the game at 2 in the bottom of the seventh on a homer by Marissa Stankiewicz, Arizona rallied in the top of the eighth to pull ahead.

A single by Palomino loaded the bases with one out before Jessie Harper hit a two-run single up the middle to give Arizona its 4-2 lead. Harper has 43 RBIs this season.

McQuillin closed the door on ASU in the bottom of the eighth by striking out two batters including one to finish the game.