UCSB dropped both of its Saturday games at the DeMarini Softball Invitational at Cal State Fullerton.
The Gauchos fell 6-2 to IPFW (5-2-1) and then lost to No. 14 Stanford (15-3) by a 7-2 count. UCSB is 10-7 on the season.
In the first game, UCSB attempted to rally back at the bottom of the seventh when, with one out, Kendall
Gill and Kelly McDonald hit consecutive singles. McKenzie Kane moved both runners with a sacrifice
bunt before Brooke Putich hit a single to second base, sending Gill home. Unfortunately for the
Gauchos, that proved to be their last hit of the game as they fell, 6-2.
Courtney Cronin (4-1) tossed the complete game for the Mastodons and allowed just two runs (one
earned) on five hits. She walked two and struck out six.
Krista Cobb (3-3) suffered the loss after allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits during the
first 2.2 innings. She walked one batter. Andriana Collins pitched 1.2 innings and allowed
three runs on four hits while walking one and striking out one. Jenny Liepman tossed the final
2.2 innings and allowed just one hit while striking out one.
The second game of the day against Stanford was tightly contested until the Cardinal got hot
in the seventh inning.
Despite allowing nine hits, Collins was able to hold Stanford to just one run – a solo homer by
Alix Van Zandt – through the first six innings. In the top of the seventh, the Cardinal offense
broke through, scoring six runs on six hits, including three doubles.
Down 7-0, the Gauchos didn’t give up and at the bottom of the seventh with one out, Katie
McWhirter hit a double to left field. Taylor followed with two-run homer to prevent the shutout. One out later, McDonald hit a double to left center, but the final UCSB batter struck out.
Collins (7-4) suffered the loss after tossing six innings and allowing seven runs (five earned)
on 14 hits. She walked three and struck out two. Liepman once again closed for the Gauchos
and held Stanford to one hit while walking one and striking out one.
Kane led the Gauchos offensively, going 2-for-4 at the plate. McWhirter, McDonald and Taylor accounted for the Gauchos’ three other hits.
Teagan Gerhart (8-3) captured the win for the Cardinal after tossing a complete game and
allowing just two runs on five hits. She walked one and struck out 10.
UCSB will conclude the DeMarini Invitational on Sunday with a 9 a.m. contest against Southern
Miss.
