Arizona vs. Stanford: Cardinal hang on to beat Wildcats 4-3

Arizona got out to an early 3-0 lead, but Stanford tied the game up in the 5th and took the lead in the 6th on an Alex Blandino double off Konner Wade.

The Wildcats had a chance to take the lead in the 9th as Cody Ramer and Scott Kingery both reached base. Stanford then brought in Sam Lindquist to close it out while their regular closer AJ Vanegas is out with an illness. Joseph Maggi moved the runners over to 2nd and 3rd with a sac bunt, and Johnny Field was intentionally walked to load the bases for Trent Gilbert with one out.

Gilbert lined one right at the third baseman Blandino, who made a great play and got the force out at home. This brought up Brandon Dixon, who hit a hard come-backer to the pitcher Lindquist who made a great play of his own to end the game.

Arizona pitcher Konner Wade (L, 3-4) was cruising through the first four innings, but he hit two batters and walked one in the 5th. Those combined with a Riley Moore catcher's interference (who was catching for the first time in two weeks) and an Austin Wilson single tied the game up at 3.

Stanford's Mark Appel (W, 7-2) threw 123 pitches in his 6 2/3 innings, the most pitches he's thrown in a game all year. He gave up runs in the first, third and fourth innings, but got stronger as the game went on. The Wildcats only got one hit after the fourth inning off of him.

Tyger Talley and Augey Bill continued their domination out of the bullpen. Bill only got one out, but once again, no runs. Talley looked amazing in his two innings of work. He gave up one hit and no walks. His breaking ball was unbelievable, and the fastballs had some nice cut to them. He's going to be the difference maker in these close games the rest of the year.

Arizona (24-13, 8-8 PAC-12) and Stanford (21-11, 8-5 PAC-12) meet again on Saturday at 2 PM. James Farris on the mound for the Wildcats against the Cardinal's Dean McArdle.