LA JOLLA – The SF State softball team could not avoid the series sweep on Saturday, losing in both halves of Saturday's double header to host UC San Diego at Triton Softball Field. The Gators (1-5/0-4 CCAA) fell 8-0 in five innings in game one and lost a heart breaker 1-0 in the series finale.
"Tough day at the ballpark," said head coach
Cristina Byrne. "We had opportunities but didn't capitalize on them offensively and we were not sharp on the mound. They took advantage of us in game one and coming back in the nightcap, we were looking to find our stride both on the mound and at the plate. The quality of at bats was much better game two and again, we were hard luck hitters who hit the ball hard but the ball just bounced their way. On the mound, Aryn (Guzman) was lights out and although she got herself in some trouble, she worked her way out of it and the entire defense played well behind her, making some great plays and keeping the ballgame tight."
In the morning game the Gators offense was stymied, as Triton's starter Hanna Duarte (4-1) once again got the better of SF State. Today, she went the distance, going five complete, allowing one hit, no runs, with a pair of walks and two strike outs.
Jenny Obbema (0-1) was saddled with the loss. She lasted two plus innings, getting lifted after facing three batters in the third. On the day she surrendered four hits, six runs, five earned, and two walks.
The Tritons (9-1/4-0 CCAA) started the game with a pair of home runs in the bottom of the first. UCSD's McKenna Clewett started off the game with a single, she came around to score on the one out, two-run home run off the bat of catcher Emma Schneider, her first of the year. UC San Diego added an insurance run when right fielder Kelsi Mayday hit a solo home run two batters later.
Obbema appeared to settle down, making quick work of the Tritons in the second. In the top of the third the Gators got a leadoff single from left fielder
Chelsea Brent, but Brent was quickly erased on a fielder's choice.
In the bottom of the third the wheels came off for Obbema, she was lifted in favor of pitcher
Megan Clark who could not limit the damage. The Triton's ended up scoring five runs in the bottom of the third to take an 8-0 lead, that would stand.
In the nightcap
Aryn Guzman (0-1) was fantastic, pitching the game of her life. She pitched six complete, scattering five hits, one earned, run, with three walks and four strike outs. UCSD scored their only run in the bottom of the second inning on a wild pitch.
The Gators had their chance to tie the game in the top of the fourth inning.
Tori Bellin led off the rally reaching on an error.
Courtney Gravel knocked one of her two this on the day, a single back up the middle that moved Bellin to third, where she would be stranded.
In the top of the sixth the Gators once again had a chance to tie, but the Tritons ended the threat throwing out the tying run at home for the final out.
Earning the win in game two for UCSD was starter Alexis Edwards (3-0) who went four scoreless, scattering three hits before being lifted for a relief pitcher. Duarte pitched the final 1.1 innings to earn her first save of the season.
The Gators return to action on Wednesday when the Gators host Hawaii-Hilo for a midweek double header at the SFSU Softball Field. Game one is slated for a 1:00 p.m. with game two scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. first pitch.
Complete Box Score Game 1 (HTML)Complete Box Score Game 2 (HTML)--
Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments. For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
