Walk-off homer lifts No. 1 Washington past No. 9 Arizona in extras

An eighth inning walk-off homer by Julia DePonte lifted No. 1 Washington to a 2-1 win over No. 9 Arizona on Friday night in Seattle.

It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Wildcats, who had captured a 1-0 lead in the sixth, thanks to a solo homer by first baseman Alyssa Palomino.

But with two outs in the seventh, Sis Bates laced a single to left to score the tying run from second, sending the pitcher’s duel into extra innings.

Taylor McQuillin (16-2) went the distance for the Wildcats. The junior left-hander allowed just three hits across seven innings, but walked five and struck out eight.

DePonte was the first batter of the eighth inning. She sent McQuillin’s off-speed pitch towering over the left-field wall.

Taran Alvelo tossed a complete game for the Huskies, striking out 14 and limiting the Wildcats to just two hits in eight innings.

Arizona now sits at 24-4 overall and 3-1 in the Pac-12. Washington improves to 30-2 and 2-2, respectively.

The second game of the three-game series is on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. PT. It will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Networks.