California State University at Northridge
Long Beach State
CSUN Takes On Long Beach Next
3/28/2024 4:52:00 PM | Softball
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STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE
CSUN (16-13, 0-6 Big West) continues conference play as the Matadors continue on the road to play Long Beach State (10-22, 5-1 Big West). Both teams open with a double header starting on Friday, Mar. 29, at 4 p.m. in the LBSU Softball Complex. The Matadors wrap up the three-game series on Tuesday, April 2, at 1 p.m.
Tune in on @CSUNSoftball on Twitter for in-game updates. All games will have live stats. The links for the live stream and stats will be available on GoMatadors.com.
LAST IN THE BATTER'S BOX
Game One
The Matadors started strong as they opened the game with two home runs right after each other. Whatman sent the first flying into left center. Sanchez followed by blasting the ball into center field for a 2-0 lead. The Wahine were quick to respond as Haley Johnson hit a single into left field to bring in one RBI. CSUN starter Isabella Alonso tried to keep control, but Hawai'i kept the momentum going as the Wahine scored on a walk and two singles to take the lead in the bottom of the first at 5-2.Â
Lauryn Carranco stepped into the circle next, but the Wahine broke through CSUN's defense as they got another run off a single. Carranco kept her cool as she managed to foul out the next two batters. The Matadors tried to even the score in the top of the third but were unable to land any hits. Hawai'i continued to pull ahead as it scored on a wild pitch. In the top of the fourth, the Matadors found an opening as Kaylee Escutia and Moani Ioane reached base, but neither were able to score. The Wahine continued to crack the game open as Maya Nakamura hit a home run to carry Hawai'i's lead to 9-2.
Alexa Ortiz stepped into the circle next to close the bottom of the fourth inning. The Wahine didn't fold as another home run grew their lead to 11-2. The Matadors returned with a fight as Carys Murakami opened the top of the fifth with a single to get to first base. Mikayla Carman would follow with a walk, but the Wahine kept the Matadors off the scoreboard and took the game.
Game Two
Lauryn Carranco opened for CSUN as she stepped in the circle. For the first three innings, she kept control of the game. The Matadors came in swinging as several managed to get on base for each inning, but none were able to score as the Wahine also had strong pitching. The Wahine were the first to score as they scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth. They managed to get three home runs and two additional RBIs. The Matadors tried to answer in the fifth but were unable to.Â
Jerzie Liana stepped into the circle next and kept the Wahine from increasing their lead. The Matadors finally found an opening as the Wahine walked in a run in the top of the sixth inning. Mia Cortez followed with a single into left field to bring in Alexa Landeros. Shaylan Whatman kept the momentum going with another single that Kennedy Gustin and Carys Murakami would score on. The Wahine wouldn't allow another run as they took the second game 5-4 and the series.
Game ThreeÂ
The Matadors returned with a vengeance as Isabella Alonso stepped into the circle and retired three batters in a row. Despite the strong pitching, the Wahine broke through the Matador defense and scored in the second inning off a single. Hawai'i would do it again in the bottom of the fourth. The Matadors answered quickly as Makenzie San Pedro blasted a home run into left field. It would be the only run for CSUN. Alexa Ramirez stepped into the circle next as a relief pitcher, but the Wahine remained composed as they scored two more runs to crack open the game in the bottom of the sixth with a final score of 4-1.
ABOUT LONG BEACH STATE
The Beach are coming off a 4-1 win to complete their sweep against UC Davis. Long Beach State adds six freshmen to its roster. Sophomore Makayla Medellin leads the team with a .293 batting average and 16 runs. Senior Sara Olson leads with 24 hits. Junior Carly Robbins leads the team in RBIs with 18. Senior pitcher Sophia Fernandez has pitched for 79.0 innings. She has 39 strikeouts and has allowed 94 hits and 54 runs. Head coach Kim Sowder is in her seventeenth season at the helm. Long Beach State leads series history with 73 wins and 53 losses. The last time the Matadors faced the Beach was in 2023 when CSUN took the series 2-1 at Matador Diamond.
#GoMatadors
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