Cal Poly Sustains Two Losses to Close UCLA-LBSU Invitational

Sunday, March 8

Los Angeles, Calif.

10 am

10-12

Boston U.

13-7

Cal Poly

Boston U.

Cal Poly Sustains Two Losses to Close UCLA-LBSU Invitational

3/8/2020 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

LOS ANGELES – The Cal Poly softball program was limited to two hits by Boston University Sunday morning as the Mustangs dropped a 3-0 decision to open final-day action at the UCLA-Long Beach State Invitational. The Mustangs also fell in the second game of their Sunday doubleheader at Easton Stadium to top-ranked UCLA, 8-0 (five innings).

During Sunday's opening matchup versus Boston University (13-7), Cal Poly (10-13) saw freshman left fielder and leadoff hitter Sydney Frankenberger reach to open the game following a Terriers throwing error. Frankenberger, however, was stranded on first base and Boston University broke through with its opening runs in the bottom of the first through RBI singles from first baseman Allison Boaz and designated player Emily Gant.

Boston University starting righthander Ali DuBois (9-5) then faced the minimum number of Mustang batters between the second and fifth innings, keeping Cal Poly hitless until Frankenberger and junior second baseman Sarah Wulff strung together back-to-back singles with two down in the sixth. Senior designated player Shelby Jeffries then drew a full-count walk to load the bases. Cal Poly's next hitter, sophomore right fielder Lily Amos, reached on a fielder's choice, but Jeffries was forced out at second base on the grounder to strand the bases loaded.

Boston University added its final run in the top of the seventh with center fielder Aliyah Huerta-Leipner singling to plate shortstop Patricia Dun. Cal Poly was held hitless in the seventh to close the game.

Cal Poly senior starting righthander Steffi Best (3-8) conceded six hits in the loss.

During Sunday's second matchup against No. 1 UCLA (25-1), Cal Poly was retired in order during the top of the first inning and the Bruins recorded the eventual winning runs in the bottom half through a one-out, RBI single by right fielder Aaliyah Jordan before first baseman Delanie Wisz brought home center fielder Maya Brady with a sacrifice fly.

Cal Poly's best opportunity to break through against UCLA starting righthander Holly Azevedo (8-0) came during the top of the second as Amos led off with a single before freshman shortstop Xiara Diaz produced a one-out base hit. Freshman catcher Kai Barrett next reached on a fielder's choice, but junior Jackie Napoli – pinching running for Amos – was thrown out at home on the sequence. Senior third baseman Alyssa McKiernan then grounded out to end the Mustang scoring threat.

UCLA added two more runs in the third with shortstop Jenavee Perez producing a run-scoring double before reaching home herself after Brady picked up an RBI with a sacrifice fly.

The Bruins tacked on another run in the fourth before scoring three more times in the fifth for the, 8-0 run-rule decision.

Cal Poly resumes action and opens its 18-game home schedule at Bob Janssen Field when hosting the March 12-15 ShareSLO Mustang Classic. Cal Poly opens its portion of the tournament on Thursday, March 12 against Notre Dame at 5 p.m.