Stanford University’s softball team lost 6-4 to Duke University on March 27 in Durham. The Cardinal, ranked No. 19, could not hold onto a mid-game lead against the No. 24 Blue Devils and now holds an overall record of 18-9 and an ACC record of 8-5.
The game began with Duke taking an early advantage through a three-run home run in the first inning. Stanford responded quickly when Joie Economides hit her third home run of the season in the second inning, sending the ball over the right-field fence for a solo shot.
Freshman pitcher Ava Bulanti entered as relief with two outs and bases loaded in the first inning, recording a flyout to prevent further scoring. Bulanti pitched for 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit before exiting in the third.
Stanford gained momentum in the fourth inning by scoring three runs on three hits. Sophia Jin’s bunt single loaded the bases for Taryn Kern, who was hit by a pitch to bring home one run. River Mahler added another RBI with a single, followed by Jade Berry drawing a bases-loaded walk for Stanford’s third run of that frame.
However, defensive errors allowed Duke to regain control during their half of the fourth inning when Jin lost track of a fly ball in sunlight and another outfield error led to unearned runs. Duke added insurance with another run in the fifth following back-to-back sacrifices after a leadoff double.
Stanford was unable to mount another comeback during their final two innings at bat. The teams are scheduled for another matchup tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., which will be broadcast on ACC Network.
