March 26, 2008

Box Score

STANFORD, Calif. - Missy Penna finished with a one-hitter and 13 srikeouts - carrying a no-hitter into the seventh - to counter a solid pitching performance from the Aggies' Jessica Hancock as fifth-ranked Stanford edged UC Davis 2-0 in a nonconference softball game on Wednesday night at Smith Family Stadium.

UC Davis fell to 15-19 heading into its Big West Conference debut series this weekend against visiting Long Beach State. The Cardinal won its 12th straight game, improving to 32-2 in its final game before the start of Pac-10 Conference action.

Because of a late start due to an umpiring scheduling conflict, the second game of the scheduled doubleheader was cancelled.

When the game finally started, Penna and Hancock locked up in a tough pitcher's duel. A double-steal in the second inning scored Stanford's first run while Rosey Neill's RBI single to left-center field in the fifth scored Alissa Haber with the other.

Hancock, whose record moved to 10-10, gave up just four hits, struck out nine and walked four against the highly-ranked Cardinal. She helped highlight her night by recording six consecutive outs for UC Davis from the second to fourth innings with strikeouts. Hancock twice put Stanford down in order.

Penna also enjoyed an impressive night pitching, not allowing a hit until Julie Stauder singled to right field on a 1-2 pitch with one out in the seventh, the only hit she allowed in the game. Penna, who already has a no-hitter to her credit this season, then struck out Erin Emde and Sarah O'Neill to keep the tying run from crossing the plate and ending the game. She improved to 21-2 in the circle, finishing the game with 13 strikeouts and two walks.

Stanford's run-scoring double-steal in the second came with two out. Anna Beardman stole second after reaching on a fielder's choice and then moved to third on Haber's infield single. Their double-steal plated Beardman with the game's first run.

Haber opened the bottom of the fifth with a single up the middle before moving to second on a walk. Neill's single then brought her around with Stanford's second run. A force-out at third and a caught-stealing ended the threat.

The Aggies' best chance to score game in the second inning when Stauder reached after being hit and then advanced to second on a walk to O'Neill. Penna, however, struck out Sarah Axelson for the final out.

Haber had two hits to lead Stanford.

UC Davis will host Long Beach State in a noon doubleheader on Saturday at LaRue Field before hosting the 49ers in a single game on Sunday, also at noon. The series marks the Aggies' first official Big West Conference games.