Husky Softball Walks Over BSU

Washington and Boise State each had five hits. The hardest hit ball of the night was a blast by BSU's Madison Anthony.

Washington also rolled to an 8-0 win.

Ten walks and a hit batter from Broncos pitching gave UW seemingly endless scoring chances. A few clutch hits and three Boise State errors led to a 5-inning run-rule win for the Dawgs (45-8, 15-8 Pac-12).

The Huskies' next game is against Texas, Saturday at 2 PM on ESPN.

In a game where so many baserunners came on free passes, the game ended fittingly on a bases-loaded walk to Emma Helm in the fifth, inducing run-rule.

Helm and Taryn Atlee combined to reach base all seven times they stepped in the box. Helm had a single, three walks, and 2 RBI, while Atlee reached on a walk, catcher's interference, and a textbook-perfect bunt single, scoring all three times she reached base.

Gabbie Plain (17-4) threw a complete game shutout but worked in and out of trouble. Boise State (40-15, 18-6 MWC) stranded eight runners in their five innings, including leaving the bases loaded in the fourth.

The only great contact of the day was by BSU senior 3B Madison Anthony in the third when she launched a pitch from Plain way beyond the left field wall, but also about 30 feet foul. The type of distance, particularly when hitting to left towards the water, is something not many players can do - reminiscent of a few Morganne Flores bombs.

Kelsey Broadus (14-7) took the loss for Boise State on one of the strangest pitching lines I've ever seen: 3 ²⁄₃ IP, 2 H, 5 R (1 ER), 7 BB, 0 K. She didn't give up much hard contact at all, so clearly UW wasn't getting their best swings in. But she also walked seven and struck out none.

Saturday Schedule

With the win, Washington moves on to face Texas, who defeated Minnesota 2-1 in Friday's first game. Due to this officially being a neutral-site tournament, Washington will be the road team vs the Longhorns in an attempt to keep home/road relatively even amongst the teams.

G3: Washington (road) vs Texas (home) - 2 PM, ESPN

G4: Minnesota (road) vs Boise State (home) - 4:30 PM, ESPN3 (loser finishes in 4th and is eliminated)

G5: Winner G4 vs Loser G3 - 7 PM, TV TBA (at least ESPN3) (loser finishes in 3rd and is eliminated)