Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State University
FIU
49ers unable to deliver in 9-3 loss to FIU
3/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 6, 2009
LAKEWOOD, Calif. - The Long Beach State softball team stranded 11 base runners as it saw its nine-game winning streak snapped with a 9-3 loss to FIU Friday afternoon at Mayfair Park.
Junior Ashley Weber went 2-for-3, while senior Danielle Linke finished the game 2-for-4 to lead The Beach. LBSU compiled nine hits, but struggled with runners in scoring position as they left the bases loaded in three of the first four innings.
Sophomore Brooke Turner (7-4) was credited with the loss, allowing seven runs (one earned) on seven hits and one walk, while striking out five.
LBSU (13-8) took an early 1-0 advantage when Linke led off with a single to left field. Weber moved her over to second with a sacrifice bunt and senior Jennifer Griffin followed with a single back to the pitcher, putting runners on the corners. Pocock then connected for a double to score Linke, but FIU pitcher Jennifer Gniadek was able to avoid further damage, getting juniors Brandy Reyes and Jodi Nakawatase to ground out.
FIU (11-11) responded in the bottom half of the inning knotting the score at 1-1 on a home run by Kim Rodriguez.
The Beach would go back on top in the third as Reyes started the inning with a solo shot over the left field fence. On the next pitch, junior Ashley Levine doubled over the head of FIU rightfielder Ashley McClain and eventually crossed the plate on a ground ball off the bat of senior Brianna Goad.
The Golden Panthers then erupted for six runs, all coming with two outs, in the bottom of the third. Carolina Rojas highlighted the big inning with a two-RBI single to left field. FIU tacked on two more in the fourth for the final 9-3 margin.
LBSU continues action at the Long Beach State Invitational on Saturday, March 7, with a single game against Iowa at 8:45 a.m. (PST).
