The sixth-seeded ASU softball team opened its third trip to the College World Series in the past 15 years with a 2-1 against Michigan on Thursday night.
The Sun Devils, who had not won a CWS game since 1982, used a Michigan throwing error to score pinch runner Kari Reidhead in the bottom of the sixth inning. The go-ahead run came immediately following Erin Wardein's RBI single to left field, which had scored first baseman Nichole Thompson.
Senior pitcher Erica Beach threw a complete game against the Wolverines, striking out four while allowing only two hits.
At the time of publication, ASU was scheduled to play UA on Friday.
The UA Wildcats have won six NCAA titles since 1991. The two teams had never met in the CWS format.
Reach the reporter at al.stevens@asu.edu
