49ers Split Double-Header vs. Titans
LBSU 39-10, Thorp, Torres Hit Home Runs
DATE Story Courtesy of CSUF Media Relations FULLERTON, CA -- Cal State Fullerton and archrival Long Beach State split a Big West Conference doubleheader on Saturday afternoon, taking the first game, 4-0, but falling to the No. 20 49ers, 4-1, in the nightcap.
The Titans fell to 15-27 overall, 4-7 in the Big West Conference. The loss in game two assured Cal State Fullerton of its first losing season in the sport of softball in the 25-year history of the program. Long Beach State improved to 39-10 overall, 9-2 in the Big West.
In game one, Fullerton starter Brooke Weekley allowed just four hits and posted her second shutout of the season as the Titans downed the 49ers, 4-0.
Cal State Fullerton got production from the top of its order as the Titans' 1-2-3 hitters drove in three of their four runs on the game. Julie Watson and Porsha Draper each had two hits for Fullerton, including Draper's first career home run in a Titan uniform.
It was a pitcher's duel through the first 4 1/2 innings until the Titans broke it open in the fifth. After collecting just one hit to that point, Fullerton scored three times on four hits, thanks to RBI hits by Watson and Lindsey Bashor and a sacrifice fly by Jody Campbell.
Fullerton tacked on its other run in the sixth as Draper took a 2-1 offering from Meredith Cervenka (16-5) deep over the centerfield fence for the final 4-0 tally.
Weekley (11-12) struck out five while allowing just the four hits. Cervenka allowed four runs on six hits, walking a pair and striking out four.
Long Beach State's offense was powered by Jamie Farnworth and Kourtnee Gervasi, who each collected a pair of hits.
In game two, Arleigh Thorp's fifth-inning home run proved to be the game-winner as Long Beach State salvaged the doubleheader split with a 4-1 victory.
The win did not come without some drama, though, as the Titans thought they had a 3-2 lead in the fifth, but Lindsey Bashor's would-be home run down the left field line with a runner on was ruled foul and Fullerton would come away empty, stranding a pair.
Fullerton took the early lead in the second as Jen Wheeler smacked her third home run of the season over the left field fence for the early 1-0 lead.
Long Beach State answered back with a run in the third, taking advantage of a pair of Titan errors and scoring on an RBI single by Jamie Farnworth to tie the game.
Thorp then came up with one out in the fifth and cranked her fifth home run of the season over the centerfield fence for the go-ahead run. The 49ers added a pair of insurance runs in the seventh on Marcel Torres' second home run of the season.
Lindsey Knoff (12-3) earned the win for the 49ers, allowing a run on eight hits, walking none and striking out three. Weekley (11-13) allowed three earned on eight hits, walking two and striking out three.
Jody Campbell and Porsha Draper had a pair of hits to pace Fullerton's offense while Jamie Farnworth had two hits to lead the 49ers.
The two teams conclude their three-game series on Sunday afternoon (April 25) at the Titan Softball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for Noon. Box Score (Gm 1)
Box Score (Gm 2) |
