May 4, 2010

Complete Release in PDF Format

LONG BEACH - The Long Beach State softball team (21-25, 5-10 BWC) is looking to snap a four-game skid as it makes the short trip to Big West rival Cal State Fullerton, May 8-9.

The 49ers and Titans will square off in a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 11:30 a.m., before closing out the series with a single contest at noon on Sunday. All games will be played at Anderson Family Field.

LBSU-CSF DOUBLEHEADER ON ESPNU
Long Beach State's doubleheader against Cal State Fullerton on Saturday, May 8, will be televised live on ESPNU. Anne Marie Anderson will handle the play-by-play duties, while Amanda Freed will be the analyst.

SCOUTING THE TITANS
Cal State Fullerton is coming off a 2-1 series win at Pacific as it enters the weekend with a 12-35 overall record and a 7-8 mark in Big West action. Torrie Anderson (10 HRs, 25 RBI) and Trina Harrison (9 HRs, 25 RBI) have powered the Titan offense, while Krystal Heinle has anchored the pitching staff with a 4.55 ERA and 54 strikeouts. Ari Cervantes has also played a key role for CSF as she owns a team-best .308 batting average and has picked up five wins in the circle.

SERIES RECORDS
Long Beach State trails in its all-time series with Cal State Fullerton, 69-46. The 49ers won two out of three last year and have claimed six of the last 10 meetings between the two teams.

49ERS AMONG THE NATIONAL LEADERS
Senior Ashley Weber ranks 23rd in the nation on the toughest to strike out list, while freshman Nalani St. Germain is 61st in the country in walks per game (0.62). Brooke Turner also ranks 98th in strikeouts per seven innings (7.2) and Taylor Petty is 97th with four shutouts.

ONE-HIT WONDER
Sophomore Taylor Petty has tossed a pair of one-hit complete game shutouts this season. The San Pedro, Calif., native stifled UC Davis' bats a few weekends ago, firing a one-hitter, while striking out a season-high nine batters in LBSU's 2-0 victory.

Petty also tossed a one-hit shutout against Buffalo at the Long Beach Invitational (March 13). She finished that weekend with a 2-0 record, while registering a 1.40 earned run average and 21 strikeouts. On the season, Petty leads the 49ers with a 2.55 ERA, 125 K's and four shutouts.

PUT ME IN COACH
Prior to Big West play, freshman Bree Stephan had earned the starting nod in just 13 of the 49ers' 31 games. After going 2-for-4 in the series finale against Pacific, Stephan has found herself in the starting lineup ever since. The Simi Valley, Calif., native has made the most of the opportunity as she has posted a team-leading .417 batting average in 13 conference games played. Stephan is currently on a season-long 10-game hitting streak.

TURNING IT UP
Junior Brooke Turner was a bright spot for The Beach despite being swept at UC Santa Barbara last weekend. Turner, who had entered the series with a 3.55 earned run average, finished the weekend with a 0.55 ERA and 13 strikeouts. The Buena Park, Calif., native tossed 3.0 innings of hitless relief in a 2-1 loss before going the distance in a 1-0, 10-inning defeat. Turner fanned 11 Gauchos and issued just two walks in the finale.

FOR THE RECORD
Brooke Turner is making her way up several categories in the 49er career record books. She currently ranks second in strikeouts (500), sixth in shutouts (26), seventh in wins (54), and eighth in complete games (62) and appearances (93).

ON DECK
Long Beach State closes out the regular season at home next weekend when it plays host to UC Riverside, May 14-15.