TEMPE - Arizona State Softball made a statement on Saturday, bouncing back from a tough loss to Michigan with a dominant display, securing an 8-0 victory over the Wolverines in six innings and following it up with a 9-1 win against New Mexico State in just five innings.
Both games kicked off with a bang, as the Sun Devils launched a home run in the bottom of the first inning each time.
Kenzie Brown, now 4-1 on the season, was stellar against Michigan (11-3), pitching six shutout innings. The highlight came when Kaylee Pond smashed a 1-2 pitch 232 feet for a two-out, three-run homer, putting ASU up 3-0.
Brown continued to dominate through the middle innings, while Katie Chester added a solo shot in the fourth, extending the lead to four. In the sixth, Brooklyn Ulrich, Tanya Windle, and Yannixa Acuña each contributed run-scoring hits, sealing the game with a four-run, five-hit inning.
This marked ASU's second mercy-rule win over a Big 10 team this season.
Later, Emily Schepp set the tone against New Mexico State with a two-run homer on just the third pitch, igniting a four-run first inning for the Sun Devils. They didn't stop there, adding five more runs in the second. Coach Megan Bartlett took advantage of the lead to rest key players, while Aissa Silva (5-1) kept the Aggies at bay, allowing just one run on a two-out double in the fifth.
Silva shined in her first complete game as a Sun Devil, tying her career high with nine strikeouts. Her performance was a testament to the depth and talent on this ASU squad.
Head Coach Megan Bartlett praised the team's efforts, saying, “That was a big win for us early against Michigan. The bats were hot all day, and Kenzie threw a gem.
These were both great team wins; both run rules with a shutout against Michigan, then an almost shutout in the second game. We must keep our momentum and stay focused.”
Saturday was a historic day for Arizona State, as it was the first time since 2023 that they achieved two mercy-rule victories in one day. Silva's nine strikeouts matched her personal best from 2024, and her complete game was her first since joining ASU.
Kaylee Pond also had a standout day, hitting her third career triple against New Mexico State, her first since 2022.
With the win over Michigan, ASU secured their first victory against the Wolverines since the 2014 NCAA Regional and their first in Tempe during the regular season since 1994.
Up next, Arizona State (13-2) aims for another win at Farrington Stadium as they face New Mexico State (5-11) at 11:45 a.m. MST on Sunday, concluding the Sun Devil Classic. The Sun Devils are looking to continue their impressive form and secure their 14th win in 16 games this season.