Long Beach State University
Stanford
Softball Falls To No. 17 Stanford In Season Opener
2/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 9, 2008
San Diego, Calif. - Long Beach State had a couple of chances, but were unable to get the tying run over the plate in a 1-0 loss to No. 17 Stanford. Lacy Tyler had a double in the fourth inning for the 49ers.
Long Beach State opened the season Saturday with their first of four games at the San Diego Tournament, playing No. 17 Stanford who was closing its day with a third game. However, it was the Cardinal that put together a score first, getting a hit from Melisa Koutz in the second inning with a runner on to put two Cardinal players on the corners. Koutz then stole second during the next at-bat, and following a bobble on the exchange at second Rosey Neill took home on a delayed steal.
That was the only run for the Cardinal, who were held at bay by sophomore Bridgette Pagano for the remainder of the game, only allowing four scattered hits through the next five innings.
Long Beach State had a chance to break even without a hit in the second inning. Jessica Beaver reached after being hit by Cardinal Missy Penna, and then Penna also plunked Kristen Pocock to give the 49ers two runners with no outs. A sacrifice bunt by Jennifer Griffin put both runners in scoring position, but the 49ers were unable to capitalize after two groundouts.
A Lacy Tyler double in the fourth broke up Penna's chance for a second no-hitter on the day, but two strikeouts ended the threat for the 49ers.
Taking one more shot at the Cardinal, Long Beach State tried to get the tying run across one more time in the bottom of the seventh. Jessica Beaver singled to lead off the inning, and advanced to third after a Pocock sacrifice and a wild pitch from Penna. As was the case in the second inning, the Cardinal got the two outs they needed to hold off Long Beach State and take a tight 1-0 win.
The 49ers will get another chance to get their first victory on their opening day of play. Long Beach State will play the host San Diego Toreros in their second game starting at 6:30 p.m.
