Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State University
UC Riverside
Beaver Blast Ends 8-0 Rout Of UC Riverside
4/27/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 27, 2008
Long Beach, Calif. - Another day, another record falls as Jessica Beaver's fifth-inning home run ended an 8-0 run-rule victory over UC Rivereside, as the 49ers sweep the series at home. With the two-run shot, Beaver became the all-time career leader in RBI at Long Beach State, with 112.
One day after battling through two one-run victories, the 49ers struck early and often to back up another shutout from Brooke Turner, her 15th of the season, which also tied a school record. The offense was the story though, as Long Beach State put up a big lead early and protected it with solid pitching and defense.
Capitalizing on a rough outing for Highlanders starter Stephanie Marshall, the 49ers picked up three runs in just 1 2/3 innings from Marshall. Action started immediately in the first, as Jessica Beaver walked to start the Long Beach State half of the inning, and Jonae Perez ripped a double down the line, giving the 49ers the winning run on the second batter of the game. Brooke LeSage singled to put runners on the corners, and after a first sacrifice fly, LeSage took third on an overthrow on a her team-high ninth stolen base of the season and came home on a second sacrifice fly in the inning.
After walking two batters on eight pitches forced out Marshall in the second, the 49ers continued their fireworks with another big inning in the third. Jennifer Griffin walked to open the inning, and Lacy Tyler also walked to put two runners on. Bridgette Pagano then singled home Griffin for the first run of the inning, and a walk to Ashley Levine juiced the bases for Franciska Morlet who singled to center, scoring two runs.
Moving through a scoreless fourth inning, the 49er fans were sent home early after Morlet reached base on an error by Kristie Martinez left a runner on base for Beaver, who smacked a homer to left to end the game in five innings for the 49ers.
Long Beach State will play their final regular season series on the road next weekend, heading to Cal State Fullerton for three games. First pitch of the Saturday double-header is scheduled for Noon, May 3.
