TUCSON, Ariz. – Just before the Arizona Heat thanked the 1,398 fans of Tucson for their loyal support with a fireworks extravaganza, Tarrah Beyster got the show started early with a towering homerun over the left field fence to seal the victory for Arizona over California 3-1.

Danielle Henderson picked up the win for the Heat improving her record to 3-0 on the season with Arizona. She is now 2-0 at home since coming to Arizona from Akron in a trade.

“I really like Arizona,” said Henderson. “One of the best things to happen to me this summer was coming to Arizona. I am very happy to be a member of the Heat. ”

She also recorded eight strikeouts. She credits some of her recent success to the chemistry she has developed with Heat catcher Leah Braatz.

“I trust what she calls,” said Henderson. “She has seen these hitters a lot this year, and she has great experience behind the plate.”

The Heat got on the board early with a run in the second and one in the third. California would cut the lead in half with a run in the top of the fifth. But in the bottom of the sixth, Beyster, pinch-hitting for Braatz, took a 2-0 pitch from California starter Kristen Voak for a long ride and Arizona would shut the door on the Sunbirds in the seventh.

Also providing offense for the Heat was Katie Gutierrez who went 3-for-3 with one RBI.

The Heat improves to 14-29 while the Sunbirds drop to 12-32 on the season. Arizona is now just four games behind New England for the final playoff spot after the Riptide fell to NY/NJ 2-1 in Lowell, Mass.

The Arizona Heat is part of the six-team National Pro Fastpitch softball league. Heat home games are played at Hi Corbett Field. For tickets or information about the team or league, call (520) 296-9595 or visit www.tucsonsoftball.com.

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