Long Beach State University
Arizona
Softball Edged By No. 13 Arizona 2-1
3/7/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Fullerton, Calif. - Christina Clermont went the distance, striking out eight and allowing just five hits against No. 13 Arizona, but two runs in the first inning ended up being enough for the Wildcats as Long Beach State lost 2-1 Saturday.
Arizona (20-5) scored a pair of runs in the first, with a one-out rally starting after Chelsea Suitos was hit by a pitch. Kellie Fox doubled to score the first run of the game, and after a single and a walk loaded the bases, Fox was able to get home on a fielder's choice to make the score 2-0.
Wildcats pitcher Michelle Floyd was able to match Clermont's effort, however, holding Long Beach State (10-14) to four hits on the day, striking out five and giving up just the one run.
Long Beach State's best opportunity came in the sixth inning. Leilani Tupua-Tautalatasi singled to start the inning, and Shayna Kimbrough followed with another hit to put two runners on. LT Torres dropped down a bunt that was misplayed by the Arizona second baseman, allowing Tupua-Tautalatasi to score.
A groundout moved both remaining runners into scoring position, but a groundout from Lauren Lombardi and a flyout from Haley Tobler ended the inning, and Floyd retired the side in order in the seventh to get the win.
The 49ers close out the Judy Garman Classic in Fullerton with two games tomorrow. The Beach starts with No. 2 Oregon at 11:30 a.m., and when closes the tournament against San Diego State immediately following that game.
