Long Beach State University
UIC
49ers Slug Past Flames In San Diego
2/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 29, 2008
San Diego, Calif. - Giving up two runs in the first inning, Long Beach State put up five over the rest of the game to defeat Illinois-Chicago 5-4 in their third game at the San Diego Tournament. The 49ers finish play this afternoon against Stanford.
After getting shut down in the first inning, the 49ers found themselves in an early hole against Illinois-Chicago. The Flames started the bottom of the first with two consecutive hits, and kept two runners after the 49ers caught the lead runner, Sarah Clynes, in a rundown. Another single loaded the bases, and Stephanie Chavez came up with the big hit to score two runs.
The 49ers climbed back into the game thanks to some defensive lapses from the Flames. Brianna Goad began the third inning with a triple, and scored after an RBI single from Lacy Tyler. Tyler advanced to second on the play thanks to the first error of the inning, and Jessica Beaver reached on an error from shortstop Carly DeMarco that also allowed Tyler to move to third. A sacrifice fly from Jennifer Griffin then sent Tyler home to tie the game.
The Flames took the lead once more in the fifth inning, tacking on one run with some small-ball. Carly DeMarco led off the inning with a single and stole second, leading to a run after a single and an RBI groundout from Ashlee Ackerman.
Long Beach State's big inning came in the sixth, really getting to Illinois-Chicago starter Clynes. Brooke LeSage singled to start the inning, and Kristen Pocock walked to put two runners on. A bunt from Jonae Perez advanced both runners, and then pinch-hitter Danielle Linke's second triple of the weekend scored both runners and giving the 49ers their first lead. Whitney Radcliff continued the rally with a double scoring Linke and giving the Beach and extra insurance run.
Illinois-Chicago added a fourth run in the bottom of the seventh, but with runners on second and third, Bridgette Pagano picked up two big outs, getting a flyout and handling a grounder herself to end the game for a Long Beach State victory.
The 49ers play one more game in San Diego this weekend, taking on Stanford at 12:30 p.m.
