March 12, 2005
LAKEWOOD, Calif. -
<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>San Diego State softball split a pair of games in their opening day at the Long Beach State Tournament, held at Mayfair Park in Lakewood, Calif., falling to No. 16 Florida 3-1 before defeating Indiana 2-0 in game two. The Aztecs move to 17-10 on the season, having split their last four games played.
In the first contest, the Gators took advantage of SDSU three Aztec errors and some timely hitting to pick the win. Celena Velasquez, who came in relief of starter Cori Janelli in the fifth, was the hard-luck loser. SDSU pitching combined for eight strikeouts, six by Janelli, and only one walk. The Aztecs out-hit Florida 8 to 7.
Both teams got their runs in the fifth inning, with Florida making the plays that got the win. The Gators used a pair of Aztec errors, three stolen bases, a passed ball and two hits to get their three runs, all unearned. SDSU came up in the bottom of the fifth and promptly loaded the bases with no outs on three straight singles from freshmen Chrissie Markham, Allison Smith and Megan McDonald, but were only able to score one run on a fielder's choice by Kristen Carranza, as Jamie Burton struck out and Meagan Hartung popped up to end the threat.
In game two, Velasquez (9-3) once again shutout an opponent, this time it was Indiana, which could only manage five hits. She struck out 11 and walked one in earning her sixth shutout of the season.
The Aztecs picked up single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to lead SDSU to the win. In the fourth it was a Markham RBI double and in the fifth a Carranza RBI groundout.
On the day, SDSU was led by Bree Boyer, who was 2-for-4, Markham who was 3-for-7 with a double, a run and an RBI and McDonald who was 2-for-5 with a walk and she was hit by a pitch.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>
The Aztecs play in the final day of the Long Beach State Tournament Sunday, taking on Loyola Marymount and the host 49ers. The Aztecs and Lions play at 9 a.m., followed by SDSU and LBSU at 1:30 p.m.