FRESNO – The Gauchos’ seventh inning rally came up short on Tuesday evening as UCSB (13-22) was edged out by Fresno State (22-13), 2-1, at Bulldog Diamond.
After blanking Sacramento State yesterday afternoon, freshman pitcher Shelby Wisdom (8-10) had yet another outstanding outing in the circle. She tossed all six innings for the Gauchos and allowed just four hits and two unearned runs. She struck out two batters and did not walk any.
UCSB out-hit the Bulldogs, 5-4, and senior Allison Taylor led the Gauchos at the plate, going 2-for-4. Sophomore McKenzie Kane extended her current hitting streak to 13 games.
Fresno State got out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Breanna Moss was able to reach on a Gaucho error and then came home when Brooke Ortiz hit a double down the left field line.
The Bulldogs added to their advantage in the next inning. Stesha Brazil and Maria Sio hit consecutive singles to put two runners on. Andrea Ortega lined out to third base, but a throwing error on the play allowed Brazil to tag home.
Freshman Jenessa Jeppesen led off in the top of the seventh inning with a solo home run hit down the left field line to cut the Fresno State lead to 2-1. Taylor was able to get on base with a single two outs later, but the Gaucho comeback ended there.
UCSB will open its 2012 Big West Conference schedule on Saturday, March 31 when it plays host to Long Beach State. The three-game series will open with a noon doubleheader.
