BERKELEY – California scored eight runs in the fifth inning to defeat No. 25 Arizona, 9-2, and secure the series on Saturday afternoon Levine-Fricke Field.

It's the first series win for the Bears against the Wildcats since the 2013 season.

The Bears (28-23-1, 8-12 Pac-12) sent 12 runners to the plate in the fifth, scoring eight runs on seven hits, including home runs from Kacey Zobac and D'Asha Saiki.

HOW IT HAPPENED
After Arizona took an early lead of 2-0, Cal got on the board in the fourth on a Kennedy Thomas RBI double to make it a one-run game after four complete.

The Bears poured it on in the fifth, all with two outs. Sona Halajian walked and Mika Lee singled before the Zobac 3-run shot gave Cal its first lead at 4-2. Amani Bradley reached on an error and Saiki followed with her first long ball of the season for a 6-2 Golden Bear advantage.

Arizona made a change in the circle and two straight singles off the bats of Thomas and Makena Smith put two on, leading to a Tatum Anzaldo double down the right field line to plate Thomas.

Acacia Anders made it 9-2 on a 2-run single to center, bringing around Smith and Anzaldo. Anna Reimers was outstanding in the circle, going four and 2/3 innings while allowing just three hits and no runs. The freshman struck out five Wildcats to earn her second win of the season.   

UP NEXT
The Bears and Wildcats finish the series on Sunday, May 8 with an 11 am PT first pitch at Levine-Fricke Field on Pac-12 Plus. Cal will honor seniors Amani Bradley and Morgan Zamora prior to the home finale.        

STAY POSTED
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