Pacific (23-28, 9-9 Big West) completed its sweep of UCSB (13-36, 4-14 Big West) on Sunday with its third shutout of the weekend, a 4-0 win at Campus Diamond. The game marked the Gauchos’ final home contest of the 2010 season and the last home game for five seniors: Kelsey Anderson, Lindsey Correa, MeLinda Matsumoto, Priscilla Perez and Jessica Ziegler.
Matsumoto (4-12) started in the circle and suffered the loss for UCSB after tossing five innings and allowing three runs on seven hits. She walked four and struck out two. Correa closed the game and allowed one earned run on two hits in two innings of work while fanning two batters.
At the plate, Ziegler led the way going 2-for-3, marking her 15th multiple hit game of the season. Katie McWhirter hit the Gauchos’ only extra-base hit of the game, a double to deep right center field at the bottom of the sixth inning.
Pacific got off to a strong start at the top of the first as the Tigers loaded the bases with three consecutive infield singles hit by Lindsey Pierce, Megan Hom and Nikki Armagost. A fielder’s choice by Kellee Wilson hit to the shortstop drove Pierce home for the first run of the game.
The Gauchos were able to escape the inning without further damage after turning their 21st double play of the season during the following at-bat. They turned another at the top of the second to push their recently set school record to 22 double plays.
At the top of the fifth, Pacific scored again when Kellee Wilson drove Pierce home from third base with a single to left field. Karie Wilson earned a walk during the following at-bat to load the bases and a ground out to the pitcher by Alexa Rivera sent Armagost home, pushing the Tigers ahead, 3-0.
In the seventh, the Tigers tacked on their final run when Rivera hit a double to left field driving Armagost home.
Armagost (12-11) captured her second win of the weekend after tossing another complete game shutout. She allowed six hits, no walks and struck out two. She also went 1-for-3 with two runs and a walk.
UCSB will conclude the 2010 season on the road at UC Davis next weekend. The Gauchos will face the Big West leaders in a doubleheader at noon on Friday and end the season with the series closer at noon on Saturday.
