Escobedo Throws No-Hitter in Tempe Regional Opener

As one of just two collegiate pitchers with a National Championship to her name, Dallas Escobedo faced high expectations coming into this year's postseason.

On Friday afternoon, Escobedo performed above and beyond all expectations by tossing a no-hitter in the Sun Devil's 5-2 victory over San Jose State in the first game of the Tempe Regional.

Escobedo's no-hitter was the first no-hitter ever thrown by an Arizona State pitcher in the postseason.

Though the Sun Devils came in as heavy favorites against the Spartans, they needed the stellar complete game outing from Escobedo to earn the victory.

Despite not allowing a hit, the Glendale, Ariz. native did surrender two runs in the first inning on an error by left fielder Elizabeth Caporuscio.

Facing a two-run deficit, the Sun Devils were forced to play catch-up against WAC Pitcher of the Year Amanda Pridmore.

Amber Freeman got the Sun Devil offense in gear by launching a first inning home run. Arizona State would tie the game in the bottom of the second.

However, the Sun Devils did not break the tie until the bottom of the fifth inning when Cheyenne Coyle drove in Bailey Wigness on an infield single.

Dealing with the pressures of pitching in a close game, Escobedo maintained her poise by keeping the Spartan hitters off balance all afternoon.

Escobedo needed 110 pitches to notch five strikeouts and she mixed in her potent rise ball with a combination of great off-speed pitches.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Escobedo's performance is the fact that she did not appear to have great command of her pitches.

Escobedo walked three batters and also hit a batter en route to the win, but she did not allow her early struggles to impact her mindset.

On top of allowing two runs in the first inning, Escobedo was also called for an illegal pitch on the second pitch of the game and was forced to adjust her mechanics.

The 2011 WCWS co-Most Outstanding Player did that and more as her historic effort helped the Sun Devils into the winner's bracket.

Arizona State will take on the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday at 3 p.m. as the Sun Devils continue their quest for a second title in three seasons.