Long Beach State University
Pacific
Bad break costs 49ers win in softball
4/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 3, 2011
STOCKTON, Calif. - Long Beach State built a 2-0 lead but couldn't hold off a late Pacific rally as the Tigers scored twice in the bottom of the seventh on a two-out infield pop fly that shortstop Alisha Rosen lost in the sun to hand the 49ers a 3-2 Big West Conference loss on Sunday at Bill Simoni Field.
Kelsey Rodriguez delivered the two-out, two-RBI single with the help of the sun to give Pacific (21-12, 2-1 Big West) a series win over Long Beach State (23-12, 1-2 Big West). The Tigers won two of three against the 49ers, despite LBSU taking an early lead in all three games.
Long Beach State jumped out to a 2-0 lead scoring both of its runs in the top of the second inning. Rosen put the 49ers on top with an RBI single to score pinch runner Loni Tyler. Megan Denio picked up a RBI on a bases loaded walk to score LBSU's second run. Pacific cut the lead in half in the bottom of the third scoring an unearned run off starter Erin Jones-Wesley (12-4).
Megan Foglesong opened the seventh inning with a leadoff triple for the Tigers. Erin Jones-Wesley hit Nicole Matson to put runners on the corners and force 49er coach Kim Sowder to bring Taylor Petty in from the bullpen in relief of Jones-Wesley.
Petty got the next two batters, one on a comebacker and the second on a strikeout, before walking Alexa Rivera to load the bases. Rodriguez then delivered the game winner on what should have been a game ending pop out.
Liz Javier led the 49ers with two hits, Jones-Wesley was charged with all three runs, two of which were earned, while taking the loss. Tori Shepard picked up her second win in as many days against the 49ers, moving her record to 8-4.
