March 8, 2014
Fullerton, Calif. - The San José State University softball team was unable to counteract Arizona State's hot bats in the third day of the Judi Garman Classic, hosted by Cal State Fullerton, and the Spartans lost, 10-1, in five innings on Saturday.
"We are simply having a difficult time defensively," head coach Peter Turner said. "But this is something that we will work through."
The Sun Devils (25-3) scored 10 runs off of as many hits, including two home runs, blasting their first one in the opening frame.
The game's second batter, Chelsea Gonzales homered down the left field line for the 2-0 lead.
Arizona State built on its lead in the next inning. Elizabeth Caporuscio was able to score on a Spartan error. Gonzales drew a bases-loaded walk and after a pop up, Haley Steele knocked a three-RBI double to left center for the 7-0 advantage. Starter Allison Lang was lifted for Berlyn Rippentrop, who struck out the final batter to extinguish the Arizona State's hot bats.
Four hits and an error scored two more in the third inning. With runners on first and third, Bailey Wigness singled to shortstop Alyssa Martinez, who bobbled the ball, allowing Caporuscio to score. In the next at bat, Alix Johnson's single drove in a second runner for the 9-0 lead.
In the fifth, Johnson's solo homer gave Arizona State the double-digit run count.
San José State (11-10) avoided the shutout in the bottom of the inning. With Jessie Meyer on third Taylor Purdy hit in to a fielder's choice, giving room for Meyer to score the Spartans' lone run of the game for the final 10-1 score.
Jessica Garcia, Meyer and Kailene Begonia each had one hit for the Spartans.
Lang (6-4) suffered the loss for the Spartans, allowing four earned runs on four hits, walking three in 1.2 innings. In relief, Rippentrop scattered five hits and allowed one earned run in 2.2 innings of work, while Colette Riggs allowed one run off of one hit in 0.2 innings.
Mackenzie Popescue (13-1) one-hit 4.0 innings for the Sun Devils, fanning and walking two Spartans each.
San José State closes out the Judi Garman Classic tomorrow against #7/#8-Arizona at 11:30 a.m.