ASU Softball: Chatman drives in four, No. 16 Sun Devils earn run-rule win over Auburn

Junior first baseman DeNae Chatman had herself a day at the plate to open the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in California. Chatman opened Thursday’s scoring against Auburn (8-4) with her second home run of the season, a two-run blast, in the second inning. She added two more RBIs in Arizona State’s (10-2) 13-0 win over the Tigers.

Kindra and Maddi Hackbarth combined for six of the Sun Devils’ 13 hits on the day. Arizona State scored seven runs in the fourth inning. A big part of the offensive onslaught was powered by the team’s seven walks, designated player Alli Tatnall had three of them. Freshmen Jazmine Hill, Alynah Torres and Macy Simmons brought in four runs as well.

The hidden performance in the circle by Madison Preston shouldn’t be overlooked either. The left hander earned another shutout for the Sun Devils. Preston allowed a hit in each of the first two frames before throwing three straight hitless innings to end the game. She earned her fourth win of the season and dropped her earned run average to 1.22 on the season.

The Sun Devils will have a doubleheader on Friday to continue the Mary Nutter against San Diego (6:30 MST) and New Mexico (9:00 MST).