LAS VEGAS – UCSB lost a pair of games on the opening day of the UNLV Invitational on Friday afternoon, falling to host UNLV, 5-2, and Texas Tech, 8-6, at the Rebels’ Eller Media Stadium. With the losses, the Gauchos fall to 11-9 on the season.
Against UNLV (13-8), Christine Ramos was hit by a pitch at the top of the order at the top of the first inning. Ramos moved to second when Jessica Ziegler grounded out to the pitcher and then advanced to third on a single to left field by Tiffany Wright. The Gauchos loaded the bases when Jessica Beristianos walked. Amanda Ziegler was then hit by a pitch, sending Ramos home for the first run of the game. The Rebels were able to escape the inning without any more damage.
At the top of the fifth, Wright led off with a triple to center field. A RBI single down the right field line from A. Ziegler sent Wright home, stretching the Gaucho advantage to 2-0.
At the bottom of the sixth inning, UNLV’s Elena Fata hit a RBI single to right field with the bases loaded, driving home the first Rebel run of the game. During the next play, Korin Cuico reached first on a Gaucho throwing error and Bendt scored, tying the game at 2-2. A double down the right field line from Nichols sent home a trio of unearned runs for UNLV, giving the Rebels a 5-2 advantage. The Rebels took down the final three Gaucho batters in order to hang on for the win.
Wright led the squad, going 2-for-4 with a triple and a stolen base while A. Ziegler went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a stolen base.
In the circle, MeLinda Matsumoto took the loss after tossing the final four innings and allowing five runs – none of which were earned – on five hits. She struck out three and walked none. Lindsey Correa threw the first two innings and allowed two hits.
At the top of the first inning in the second game of the day, Texas Tech quickly jumped to a 3-0 advantage when Megan Shupp hit a three-run homer over the center field fence. The next inning, TTU stretched its lead when Stephanie Dewery hit a RBI single to center. A sacrifice fly from Leah Legler followed by a RBI single from Liz Eimen gave Texas Tech a 6-0 advantage.
In the bottom of the fourth, A. Ziegler led off with a single to left field before Jackie Conlin and Lainey DePompa posted back-to-back singles, loading the bases with no outs. One out later, Brooke Putich hit a double to left center, sending home two runs for the Gauchos. Ramos grounded out during the next play, but drove Putich home, cutting the UCSB deficit to three runs.
The next inning, Wright led off with a single and Beristianos followed suit. Both runners advanced on a passed ball before A. Ziegler hit a RBI single to the right side. One out later, DePompa hit a RBI single to center field to put the Gauchos within one run of TTU. With two outs, Katie McWhirter hit a RBI single to right field, tying the game at 6-6.
Texas Tech (6-13) responded at the top of the next inning, regaining its lead with a run scored on a Gaucho fielding error. At the top of the seventh, a RBI single from Legler gave TTU an 8-6 advantage. UCSB posted two hits at the bottom of the seventh, but Texas Tech was able to close the inning unscathed, taking away the 8-6 victory.
A. Ziegler led the Gauchos going 3-for-4 with a run and a RBI. DePompa was 2-for-3 with a run and a RBI.
Matsumoto (1-4) once again took the loss after pitching the final 4.2 innings. She allowed two runs – one earned – on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
The Gauchos will be back in action tomorrow when they take on Notre Dame and UNLV. They will face the Fighting Irish first at 12:15 p.m. at Eller Media Stadium.
UCSB will open its 2009 home schedule on March 11 when they host San Diego in a doubleheader.
