Denby Sets Career High in Homers as Sun Devils Outslugged by No. 7 UCLA
TEMPE, Ariz. – Sun Devil Softball (19-29, 3-20 Pac-12) couldn't keep up with No. 7 UCLA's (33-10, 16-4 Pac-12) offensive eruption, surrendering five home runs and a sixth-run seventh inning in a 12-1 loss on Saturday evening at Farrington Stadium.
The Sun Devils' starting pitcher Marissa Schuld was hurt by the longball across five-plus innings of work, as the Bruins broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with a two-run shot off the bat of Jordan Woolery. Maya Brady added a solo shot in the next frame to make a 3-0 UCLA advantage.
In the top of the sixth, the Bruins doubled their lead via a three-run, pinch-hit home run off the bat of Taylor Stephens to make it a 6-0 game.
Chasing six runs in the home half of the sixth, Alesia Denby put the Sun Devils on the board in the sixth with a solo blast to left field, her 11th of the spring and second in as many days. Denby's lone season in Tempe unlocked a power surge, as her 11 home runs this spring are a new single-season career-high.
What a beautiful night for an @alesiadenbyyy home run!
?? Pac-12 Los Angeles#ForksUp /// #O2V pic.twitter.com/SrKERRvu4d
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) May 5, 2024
The Bruins weren't done in the seventh, adding another pair of home runs, courtesy of a Brady grand slam and a Megan Grant two-run blast, doubling their run total for a 12-1 lead.
Saturday's contest also served as Senior Day, where the team honored Alesia Denby, Kelsey Hall, Audrey LeClair, Mackenzie Macfarlane, Marissa Schuld, Jordyn VanHook, Deborah Jones, Sara Kinch, Kayla Lissy and Mac Osborne following the game.
The Sun Devils are set to close out the regular season on Sunday morning against the Bruins, with first pitch slated for 12 p.m. MST.