UCSB dropped its second consecutive one-run game at the San Diego Classic, falling to No. 15-ranked Cal 2-1 on Sunday.
With the loss, UCSB falls to 6-2 on the season while Cal improves to 5-1. The Gauchos were also scheduled to play Northwestern and San Diego at this weekend’s tournament, but both games were cancelled due to rain.
Down 2-0, junior Lainey DePompa led off with a walk in the sixth inning. An error by Cal’s shortstop on the ensuing play allowed Brooke Putich to reach first and pinch runner Tiffany Corder to move to third. McKenzie Kane followed with an infield single. With the bases loaded and no outs, Kathryn Pilpil saw 13 pitches before drawing a walk that sent Corder home.
Cal’s pitcher Jolene Henderson quickly got the Golden Bears out of trouble as she struck out the next three batters swinging.
UCSB got two runners on with two outs at the bottom of the seventh with hits from Amanda Ziegler and Putich, but the runners were left stranded as the final batter grounded out.
The two teams battled through a hitless first three innings before Cal loaded the bases at the top of the fourth on a bunt single, walk and fielder’s choice. With one out, Lindsey Ziegenhirt hit a sacrifice fly to left field, driving Britt Vonk home. A single up the middle from Frani Echavarria scored Jordan Wallace and gave the Golden Bears the 2-0 lead.
Freshman Andriana Collins (4-2) tossed the complete game for the Gauchos and allowed just two runs on four hits. She walked three and struck out three. Kane led UCSB offensively, going 2-for-4 at the plate.
UCSB out-hit Cal 5-4. The Gauchos also turned three double plays: in the first, second and seventh innings.
Henderson (5-1) got the win for the Golden Bears.
The Gauchos will be in action next weekend at the Cathedral City Classic, where they are slated to play Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Long Island, Ohio State, Utah and Loyola Marymount. Action runs from Feb. 24 through Feb. 27.
