Zavodnik's grand slam and explosive offensive gives BYU a 14-5 win over Ball State

PHOENIX — BYU softball defeated Ball State University with a season-high score of 14-5 in its final game of the Sun Devil Classic on Saturday afternoon, going 2-2 on the week.

"We played solid ball today" said BYU head coach Gordon Eakin. "Carley Brown who started in her first game this week pitched well and we also had an explosive offensive day. So, we as coaches are very pleased with today's win."

Player Highlights

• Violet Zavodnik: 1 R, 4 H, 4 RBI
• Carley Brown: 7 IP, 8 K, 8 H, 5 R

Game Highlights

• Violet Zavodnik hit a grand slam in the top of the second for a 6-0 BYU lead
• BYU scored six runs in one inning twice (2nd and 7th)

In the top of the second inning, BYU’s offense exploded. First, Macy Simmons was walked and then advanced to second base off a sacrifice bunt by Huntyr Ava. Marissa Chavez was also walked before Brooke Barrington singled to center field to load the bases. Simmons was out at home on the next play, as Taryn Lennon reached first on the fielder’s choice, but the next batter, Epenesa, was thrown a wild pitch, allowing Chavez to score BYU’s first run while Lennon and Barrington advanced to second and third. Epenesa was then walked to again load the bases before Barrington scored off an error by Ball State’s third baseman.

A grand slam by Violet Zavodnik would take BYU’s lead to 6-0. It was the second grand slam of her BYU career. The last time a BYU player hit a grand slam was on March 13, 2021, which was by Zavodnik herself against Tarleton State in Austin, Texas. 

BYU’s defense was on display as well. An outstretched catch in the outfield by Zavodnik and a double play by Alyssa Podhurcak and Ava would close the second inning. 

Ball State had some momentum going in the bottom of the fourth inning, where the Cardinals had one run and one hit. With runners on first and third, Kaitlyn Mathews struck out swinging but McKayla Timmons reached home on the throw for a 6-1 score.

A double by Ava in the top of the fifth inning brought home pinch hitter Lauren Flanders and Podhurcak for a score of 8-1 for BYU. The Cougars almost closed the game early when Barrington hit a sacrifice fly to right field, but pinch runner Alexis Gilio was tagged out at home plate on the play for the third out. 

Ball State scored its second run of the day in the bottom of the fifth for a 14-2 score courtesy of sophomore Remington Ross.

In the top of the seventh, BYU scored another six runs. Barrington singled through the left side, allowing pinch runner Lo Salcedo to score BYU’s ninth run for a score of 9-2. Epenesa stepped up to bat with the bases loaded and doubled to right center to bring home HannahJo Peterson, Mallory Barber and Barrington. Taylei Williams singled to bring home Epenesa and then Zavodnik doubled. Lastly, Podhurcak singled up the middle for Williams to score for a 14-2 lead.

The Cardinals produced three runs for themselves in the bottom of the seventh, but still weren't able to close the large gap that BYU created in the top of the seventh, as the Cougars earned the final 14-5 tally.

Up next, BYU will host Maine for its home opener on Tuesday, March 15 at 5 p.m. MDT. The game will be streaming on the BYUtv app and byutv.org