Stanford uses huge 5th inning to defeat LSU via run-rule, advance to Women's College World Series
It was a scoreless game between Stanford and LSU entering the fifth inning of Sunday’s if-necessary game. Then, just like that, it wasn’t.
The Cardinal erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the fifth as they eventually came away with the 8-0, run-rule victory in six innings in the Stanford Super Regional. Between the offensive outburst and another strong showing from NiJaree Canady in the circle, Stanford is officially heading back to the Women’s College World Series.
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Stanford and LSU were scoreless entering the fifth inning when the bats woke up. The Cardinal got things going with a triple from River Mahler, who scored on the next play when Emily Jones grounded into a fielder’s choice to put Stanford on top, 1-0. But the offensive explosion wasn’t without a bit of controversy.
When Ava Gall hit a single through the right side, which scored a run, LSU argued the ball hit Kyra Chan in the leg. Replay appeared to show it hit her calf on its way to right field, which would’ve resulted in an out. However, the Tigers were out of challenges thanks to multiple close plays in the first four innings, meaning play went on.
From there, Stanford scored five more runs – including three on a home run by Jade Berry to make it a 7-0 game. LSU managed to avoid the run-rule, but Kaitlyn Lim drilled a home run to center field in the sixth inning to reach the eight-run limit and give the Cardinal an early victory.
In the circle, Canady turned in another dominant showing after a rough night in Game 1. One of the best pitchers in the nation continued to prove why, allowing just three hits over six innings of work and totaling three strikeouts to get the win.
Stanford vs. LSU was the last game of an exciting day of Super Regional action, meaning the Cardinal secured the final bid to the Women’s College World Series. Now, the attention turns to Oklahoma City with just eight teams left in the NCAA Tournament field.
The 2024 Women’s College World Series is set to begin May 30 at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, with the remaining eight teams competing in a double-elimination format. Then, the championship series will feature a Best of 3 series for the national title.