SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara softball team (24-18, 13-5 Big West) and Long Beach State played in another slugfest in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. The Beach took an early 8-0 lead, but the Gauchos quickly got back in the game with a six-run third inning. Unfortunately, that was as close as they would come, as the Beach won by a final of 13-7.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first inning saw both teams unable to score despite some base runners. The Gauchos' defense held Long Beach State in check with two left on base.
In the third inning, UC Santa Barbara mounted an offensive surge after falling behind 8-0 through two and a half innings.
Erin Mendoza scored on a single by
Bella Fuentes, followed by
Giselle Mejia, who also crossed the plate thanks to
Tehya Banks' single. The highlight came when
Emily Carr hit a grand slam, which included Banks,
Delaina Ma'ae, and Fuentes, as the Gauchos cut into the lead 8-6.
Unfortunately, the Beach responded with a three spot in the top of the fourth to extend their lead to 11-6. The Gauchos were unable to continue their offensive success into the following innings.
In the seventh inning, Ma'ae added to the Gauchos' total with a solo home run, but it was not enough to overcome Long Beach State's lead. The game concluded with Long Beach State securing a 13–7 victory over the home team.
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS
- With two wins this weekend, Head Coach Jo Evans moves into sexenth all-time in career coaching wins with 1,370 across her 40 seasons of coaching.
- Tehya Banks hit .800 (4-of-5) during the weekend while walking four times and not striking out once.
- Emily Carr drove in 10 runs this weekend, tying Bella Fuentes for the most runs driven in during a three-game series this season.
- Four Gauchos hit .400 or better over the course of the weekend.
UP NEXT
The Gauchos will trek to Hawai'i for their next Big West series next weekend. The Gauchos and Rainbow Wahine will play a single game on Friday, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday.
