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Washington's Rylee Holtorf blasts go-ahead 2-run home run to answer Utah in bottom 2nd

On3 imageby:Dan Morrison•06/02/23•

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Rylee Holtorf
© Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Washington shortstop Rylee Holtorf is known for her excellent defense. However, in the bottom of the second during the Women’s College World Series against Pac-12 rival Utah, she proved that she can also launch the ball.

Holtorf hit a two-run home run, which gave Washington a 2-1 lead over Utah in the second inning. On top of that, it seemed to shift the momentum of the game, which had previously been leaning toward the Utes.

Check out Holtorf’s home run, here:

SilentRain Espinoza was on base for Washington, having reached on a walk.

Rylee Holtorf is a sophomore for the Huskies from Arizona. In 2022, she was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. Her father played college baseball at Grand Canyon University while her mother played college softball at New Mexico State and Phoenix College.

This was Holtorf’s fifth home run of the season. Three of those home runs are against Mariah Lopez, the Utah pitcher. For the regular season, she hit .263 with her production steadily improving as the season went on.

Weather had previously delayed this game between two teams who had met four times already this season, splitting the seasons series 2-2. Along with Stanford, three Pac-12 schools qualified for the Women’s College World Series.

The loser will go on to play Oklahoma State in an elimination game. The winner advances to take on Florida State, who run-ruled the Cowboys. The winner of this bracket is going to advance to a best of three championship, which will be held between June 7th and 9th.

Holtorf’s home run ball was given to her family in the stands.

Washington coach Heather Tarr explained how to get the bats going

During Washington’s series against Louisiana in the Super Regional, legendary Washington coach Heather Tarr explained how the Huskies could get the bats going.

“For us, we just have to trust what we’re seeing and make some adjustments a little bit quicker. But I think she’s doing a good job. So give us a little bit more time and see if we can figure it out,” Tarr said.

Beyond that, she praised pitcher Lindsay Lopez for her improved pitching performance.

“I think she just had a good mental switch. Just believing in herself and she’s got some great stuff. Obviously she’s got a great offspeed pitch and she comes with wonderful experience. So we love throwing her out there and she’s a competitor.”