Arizona welcomed back the women’s basketball team from its national championship game with a 14-2 win over rival Arizona State Tuesday night at Hi Corbett Field.
Aari McDonald threw out the ceremonial first pitch with a welcoming standing ovation for the two-time All-American and basketball hero.
The non-conference matchup was the fourth and final game between the rivals this year. The win secured a 3-1 season-series victory for the Wildcats. It marked Arizona’s third season-series win over their rival under head coach Jay Johnson.
Arizona baseball coach Jay Johnson was happy to have Aari McDonald throw out the first pitch at tonight’s game against ASU.
“I thought that was the coolest thing in the world that she was here tonight. I was surprised she was a righty.” pic.twitter.com/7OeeYKqw4y
— Matt Moreno (@MattGOAZCATS) April 7, 2021
The Sun Devils began the game with two runs in the first two innings, one coming off of a home run by Jack Moss.
After Arizona fell behind they tied the game in the second inning on a fielder’s choice and an RBI single by Daniel Susac. The Wildcats would tally three more in the fourth, two in the fifth and four in the sixth while batting around the lineup.
Nik McClaughry, Jacob Blas, Ryan Holgate, and Susac combined with four hits and eight runs through nine innings. McClaughry had four RBIs.
In Arizona’s pitching arsenal, southpaw Ryan Abshier relieved starting pitcher Dawson Netz and went the distance, as he pitched 3 2/3 important innings of shutout ball.
Thank you coach @UACoachJ for allowing me to throw the first pitch🙏🏾 https://t.co/8MmlvKINOr
— Aari McDonald (@AariMcdonald) April 7, 2021
What’s a pitcher’s best friend? The 5-4-3 inning double-play which the Wildcats turned in back-to-back innings. Abshier allowed only one hit, struck out three and earned the win.
The bullpen would then shut the door for good allowing only one hit in the last half of the ball game. It closed out the four-game series against ASU allowing just one run in 19 innings.
Arizona will host a three-game series in the Pac-12 against California this weekend. The first game is Friday at 6 p.m.
Arizona is 11-5 at home and 19-8 overall this season.
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