April 15, 2006

Box Score

Riverside, Calif. - In a repeat performance of the first game, the Tigers rallied in their final at bat to take home a 3-1 win over UC Riverside on Saturday, April 15. The game was a continuation of a game started the previous night but postponed due to rain. With the win the Tigers improved to 23-15 overall and 4-1 in conference action while the Highlanders fell to 21-15 and 1-4 in Big West play.

After starting the game in the bottom of the second inning where the teams left off the prior day, the Tigers and Highlanders produced a pitchers duel in the sunny weather of the day. Sophomore Alyce Jorgensen (Los Altos, Calif.) went 6.1 innings in th econtest to pick up her fourth win of the season, holding the Highlanders at bay for most of the contest. Jorgensen gave up seven hits and one run while striking out five on the day.

The big action of the game came in both team's final at bats as the Tigers secured the game with a two run seventh, before senior Kristen Allen (Citrus Heights, Calif.) subdued a late, bases loaded threat by the Highlanders to post her fourth save of the season.

In the top half of the inning, junior Lizzie Hagen (Anaheim, Calif.) led the inning off with a single into center field. After a sacrifice bunt by Jorgensen moved Hagen to second, senior Crystal Presson (Livermore, Calif.) laced a single to left field scoring Hagen who did not hesitate off the crack of the bat. The Tigers added another insurance run in the inning as they took advantage of mental miscue by the Highlander's pitcher who lost focus on a throw back from her catcher that resulted in a loose ball and sophomore Lauren Sandelin (Sedro-Wooley, Wash.) scoring all the way from second.

Up two, heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Tigers were forced into a jam that knocked Jorgensen out of the game. WIth one out and the bases loaded and only one out with the middle of the Highlanders' order coming to the plate, Allen entered the game and proceeded to to induce two ground balls to freshman Casey Goldsand (Scottsdale, Ariz.) at second. With her fourth save of the season, Allen moved into a tie for second overall for saves in a single season and a tie for third in career saves.

The Tigers will look for the sweep as the play the third game of the series today, April 15.