May 16, 2009

Box Score

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Long Beach State softball team's season came to an end Saturday evening as it dropped a 12-2 decision to No. 25 Fresno State in a Los Angeles Regional elimination game at Easton Stadium.

The 49ers conclude their 19th NCAA Regional appearance with a 1-2 mark, while the Bulldogs advance to Sunday's action where they will face No. 2 UCLA.

Sophomore Brooke Turner (18-13) took the loss, giving up six runs (two earned) on seven hits in 1.2 innings of work. Turner also had three strikeouts against one walk. Senior Kelly Cross and junior Bridgette Pagano combined for 5.1 innings of relief.

On the offensive end, junior Brandy Reyes went 1-for-2 with a pair of RBI, while classmate Ashley Levine added a pair of hits. Juniors Ashley Weber, Jodi Nakawatase and Pagano also found their way into the hit column.

Fresno State (38-19) pushed two runs across in the top of the first as Haley Perkins and Haley Gilleland opened the frame with back-to-back infield singles. After Turner retired the next two batters, Caitlin Stiglich delivered a two-run single to left field.

With one swing of the bat, the Bulldogs added four more runs in the second. After the first two batters were retired, Fresno State loaded the bases on two singles and a 49er error. Michelle Moses then drove a shot over the scoreboard in left field for her first career grand slam.

Gilleland scored the seventh run for Fresno State in the fourth, as she executed a delay steal of home after tripling to the gap in right center. The Bulldogs then took a 9-0 lead in the fifth frame when Perkins connected for a two-RBI double.

LBSU got on the board in the bottom of the fifth with three consecutive hits. Nakawatase had a leadoff single and advanced to third on a double by Pagano. Reyes then drove a base-hit up the middle to score both runners.

The Bulldogs added three more runs in the seventh for the final 12-2 margin.

Long Beach State finishes the 2009 campaign with a 35-21 overall record.