Kajikawa Classic Information Page
Game Statistics
TEMPE, Ariz. - Western Michigan ran into an offensive buzz saw during the second day of competition at the 2010 Kajikawa Classic. The No. 4 Arizona Wildcats racked up 13 runs in five innings, while holding the Broncos without a hit in WMU's first loss of the season.
Kayla Houston started the second game of her career in the circle but exited after one third of an inning after Arizona, a 2009 Women's College World Series participant, opened up a 3-0 lead. K'Lee Arredondo ripped a two-RBI single to post the first two scores of the game. She would later scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Baillie Kirker.
Meredith Whitney came on in relief, pitching for the Broncos the remaining four and two-thirds innings. She held the Wildcat bats at bay through the next two innings. After allowing a pair of walks to lead off the second inning, she forced Kirker to hit into 4-3 double play and then forced Matte Haack to ground out back to her in the circle.
The 2009 Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year retired the first two batters of the third inning before giving up a walk and an infield single. Arredondo ended the frame when she harmlessly grounded out to Houston at first base.
Walks were the theme for Western Michigan's pitching on this night as the Broncos gave up 14 free passes, resulting in four of Arizona's 13 runs. Despite the pitching woes, none of the seven hits given up by Western Michigan went for extra bases. Friday's game also marked the first time WMU has been no hit since March 6, 2009 against Boston University at the Under Armour Invitational hosted by the University of South Florida.
Arizona's Sarah Akamine was two mistakes from notching a perfect game for the Wildcats. Courtney Rousseau drew a two-out walk in the bottom of the third inning and Houston reached on a fielding error by Arredondo at shortstop. WMU was not able to advance a runner to second base throughout the five-inning game.
The Broncos will regroup and head back to the field for an early first pitch against Kentucky on Saturday. WMU, facing back-to-back teams with a Wildcat for a mascot, has a first pitch at 11 a.m. ET (9 a.m. in Arizona). It is the most active day for Western Michigan during the Kajikawa Classic. The Broncos turn around with a tilt against No. 11 California at 1:30 p.m. ET.
