Long Beach State University
New Mexico
LeSage Homer Leads 49ers Past New Mexico 10-2
3/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 19, 2008
Fullerton, Calif. - Trailing 2-0 to the Lobos in their first game at the Judi Garman Classic, Long Beach State exploded for seven runs in the third on the way to a 10-2 victory in five innings against New Mexico. Brooke LeSage hit her first home run of the year, a three-run shot in the third inning.
New Mexico got on the board in the first, as Sara Loeffelholz started the game with a single, and came around to score on an RBI double from Gabriella Parra. The Lobos then added a second run in the third on a Lindsey Elcess solo home run to left field.
Pagano would buckle down from there, not allowing another hit in the game as the 49er bats came alive as things came apart for Kelly Ninemire. Ninemire was perfect through six batters, and struck out the side in the second, but immediately had trouble getting outs in the third. Ashley Levine led off the inning with a walk, and Ashley Weber picked up Long Beach State's first hit of the game, a single. Brianna Goad continued the rally by singling up the middle to load the bases, and Jessica Beaver doubled, bringing in two runs and tying the game at 2-2.
Beaver would come around to score on a fielder's choice from Lacy Tyler, and the 49ers would continue to rally. Jennifer Griffin walked to put two runners on, and LeSage homered to center field, making the score 7-2 before the inning finally came to a close.
In the fourth, Beaver would bring in two more runs on her second double of the day, and both Weber and Goad would score again after reaching base with no outs. The game finally came to a close in the fifth, as pinch-runner Casey Burba scored on Ashley Weber's third hit of the game after moving to second on a passed ball.
On the night, Jessica Beaver had two doubles and four RBI, and both Weber and Goad had perfect days from the plate, finishing 5-for-5 with five singles in the five-inning game.
No. 20 Long Beach State continues play tomorrow in Fullerton, as the 49ers play Florida State at 3:30 p.m.
