TUCSON, Arizona - Baylor Softball Faces Tough Sweep Against No. 13 Arizona
Baylor's softball team hit a rough patch as they faced a series sweep by the 13th-ranked Arizona Wildcats, culminating in a 6-3 loss on Sunday at Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium.
Despite holding a 3-2 lead midway through the game, the Bears couldn't hold back Arizona's rally, which resulted in four unanswered runs. This setback leaves Baylor with a 21-12 record overall and 5-4 in Big 12 play.
Game Breakdown
The action began in the third inning after a quiet start. Baylor's Amber Toven sparked a two-out rally with a clutch two-RBI single to right field, putting the Bears up 2-0. Faith Piper's patience at the plate earned her a walk, setting the stage for Leah Cran's RBI double, which extended the lead to 3-0.
Arizona quickly responded in their half of the inning, narrowing the gap with a pair of runs. The Wildcats then seized control in the fourth inning when Sydney Stewart launched a three-run homer, turning the game on its head with a 5-3 lead. Regan Shockey added an insurance run in the fifth with an RBI single, cementing Arizona's 6-3 advantage.
Baylor struggled to mount a comeback as Arizona's pitchers shut down the Bears' offense over the final four innings.
Key Game Notes
- Baylor's historical record against Arizona now stands at 9-19.
- The Bears have gone 7-6 in their last 13 matchups with the Wildcats.
- Sporting their green tops and bottoms, Baylor holds a 5-3 record this season.
- The Bears experimented with their 33rd different lineup of the year.
- Amber Toven reached base for the 14th consecutive game, setting a new personal best.
- Toven notched her ninth multi-hit game of the season and the 28th of her career, along with her 25th career multi-RBI game.
- Leah Cran leads the team with nine doubles this season.
Looking Ahead
Baylor returns to the comfort of home for a five-game stretch, starting Tuesday against Incarnate Word. They'll then face a three-game series with Houston from Thursday to Saturday. The Bears are just two wins away from reaching 500 all-time victories at Getterman Stadium.