(Photo:ASU Athletics)
With both of its top starting pitchers returning, it’s no surprise that the Arizona State Sun Devils will begin the season at No. 7 in the country.
Headlining the two-headed monster of a pitching staff is two-time All-American Dallas Escobedo. The righty was recently named to the “Watch List” for the 2014 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award after coming off of a 30-6 season with a 2.32 ERA. This is the third straight year Escobedo has been named to the “Watch List.”
Currently sitting at 91 career wins, Escobedo is just 28 wins shy of breaking Arizona State’s all-time wins record held by Katie Burkhart (118 wins). All signs point to Escobedo becoming ASU’s all-time winningest pitcher this season.
Escobedo is also coming off a career-high in strikeouts (325) and career-low in walks (74).
Also returning to the circle is senior righty and All-Pac-12 Second Team selection Mackenzie Popescue. Popescue is coming off of a season of career-highs in wins (19), innings pitched (140.2), and a career-low in ERA (1.94).
Popescue worked her way into the circle throughout last season. The senior tossed her second career no-hitter in a game against North Dakota, and also earned her first win over a ranked opponent against UCLA.
Between these two ladies, the Sun Devils have plenty of reasons to expect to make yet another appearance in the Women’s College World Series.
You can reach Zac Pacleb on Twitter @ZacPacleb or via email at zacpacleb@gmail.com
