Long Beach State University
Utah
Tupua-Tautalatasi Lifts Beach Over Utah 4-1
2/7/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Long Beach, Calif. - Senior Leilani Tupua-Tautalatasi had a pair of hits, including a two-run triple to break the game open as Long Beach State began Saturday with a 4-1 win over Utah. Amanda Hansen went the distance for the second straight game, striking out a pair and giving up three hits against the Utes.
Long Beach State (3-0) scored in the opening frame for the third time this season, jumping out to a quick lead. Shayna Kimbrough singled and stole second to put a runner in scoring position, and then the speedy shortstop was able to score on a ground ball through the right side from Lauren Lombardi, giving the 49ers a 1-0 lead over Utah (0-1).
The Beach added two more in the second inning on Tupua-Tautalafua's big hit. Ashley Holmes led off the inning with a single, and after a walk to Kimbrough, the senior center fielder tripled to right center, bringing home two more runs.
Utah answered with a run in the third inning, putting runners on the corners and then picking up a run when Kimbrough's attempt at turning a double play sailed just wide of first base.
Hansen settled in and closed the inning, part of another solid outing for the senior, who finished with two strikeouts and one walk with just three hits allowed on the day. In 2015, the returning first-team All-Big West selection has allowed only one run in 14.0 innings pitched.
LBSU added one more run in the fourth, as again Tupua-Tautalatasi had the big hit. After a walk to freshman LT Torres, the 49ers elected to push the runner over with a sacrifice, and the decision paid off as Tupua-Taulatasi came through again, singling to center field to bring home the game's final run.
Tupua-Tautalatasi finished the game with a triple and a single, going 2-for-4 with three RBI.
Long Beach State has one more game today, playing Idaho State at 2 p.m. before facing Utah in a rematch on Sunday at 9 a.m. at the 49er Softball Complex.
