UCSB continued its struggles in the Big West on Saturday, getting swept by Cal State Northridge in a softball double header at Matador Diamond.
The two losses drop the Gauchos to 1-10 in conference and 10-32 overall. Northridge is 7-4, 23-20.
The Matadors managed a two-out rally at the bottom of the seventh to defeat the Gauchos in game one, 5-4, before pitcher Amanda Pitzberger threw a complete game two-hitter to lead Northridge to a 4-1 victory in the nightcap of the twin bill.
The Gauchos gained an early lead in the series opener at the top of the second inning when Kelly McDonald hit a two-out solo home run over the left field fence. UCSB stretched its lead in the third when a single by Jamie Adishian drove Jackie Sweet home. A passed ball then allowed Adishian to reach third before a fielder’s choice RBI from Allison Taylor drove her home putting UCSB ahead, 3-0.
Northridge tied the game at the bottom of the same inning when Jaci Carlsen was hit with the bases loaded and Tracy Allen delivered a two-run single.
UCSB reclaimed its lead in the top of the fifth. After hitting a triple to right field, Jessica Ziegler was brought home by a bunt from Jessica Beristianos.
CSUN answered immediately in its half of the frame to tie the game once again and set up the dramatic seventh inning, which was started by a one-out infield single by Jennifer Mosier. The runner then stole second before a ground out moved her to third. A single by Allen to center field drove home the game-winning run.
Krista Cobb (3-10) took the loss after tossing the complete game. She allowed five runs on seven hits, walked four and struck out two. Offensively, Adishian led the team going 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
In the second game, CSUN got on the board in the second inning. Kristen Mihm started the frame with a double to right field and then scored on an RBI single by Krystal Raphael. Alexandria Alvarado scored the second run on an RBI fielder’s choice by Karla Chaparro.
Northridge added two more runs in the fourth.
Jessica Beristianos walked with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, scoring the lone Gaucho run by Tiffany Corder.
MeLinda Matsumoto (4-11) tossed the complete game for UCSB and allowed four runs — just one earned – on five hits. She did not walk a single Matador and tallied three strikeouts.
The Gauchos will be back in action on Sunday when they complete the series against Cal State Northridge. The game is scheduled for a noon start at Matador Diamond.
