Senior National Player of the Year candidate Valerie Arioto proved exactly why she is on all the national honors lists again today with a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to lead top-ranked Cal to a 4-2, come-from-behind, victory over No. 2 Arizona State.

Down, 2-0, in the sixth inning, Danielle Henderson and Victoria Jones each worked unfavorable counts into bases-loaded walks to bring home a pair of runs and tie the game heading into the final frame. Henderson worked a 1-2 count into a walk to bring home Jace Williams and Jones worked an 0-2 count into the base on balls to plate Breana Kostreba.

After a scoreless seventh frame from ASU, Jamia Reid led of the Bears' half of the inning with a bunt single to put the go-ahead run on. One out later, Arioto stepped to the plate and took the second pitch she saw over the right-field fence for the-game winning home run, igniting a celebration at home plate for the Bears. Watch video of Arioto rounding the bases on her home run and joining the celebration with her teammates at home plate below.

You can read a full recap of today's game along with the box score here.

With the 4-2 win over Arizona State today, Cal needs one more victory to secure the Pac-12 title. The Bears and second-place Sun Devils resume the series tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Levine-Fricke Field. Remember, tomorrow is Cal's Strike Out Cancer event, be sure to wear Pink to the game.


Valerie Arioto celebrates with her teammates at home plate after her game-winning home run.




Valerie Arioto talks about the victory and her game-ending heroics.




Head coach Diane Ninemire recaps the Bears' exciting victory over Arizona State.




Jolene Henderson, who recorded eight strikeouts in the complete-game win, recaps the victory.