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CSU Bakersfield Softball
Paul Muyskens

Game Recap: Softball |

Slow Start Dooms CSUB in Series Opener at UCSB

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A slow start in Friday's Big West Conference series opener against UC Santa Barbara led to a big deficit for the CSU Bakersfield softball team. The Roadrunners were unable to get their offense rolling and fell to the host Gauchos, 8-0, in a five-inning loss.

UCSB struck early, plating three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Second baseman Maci Fines drove in a pair of Gauchos with a triple, then promptly scored on a sacrifice fly to give the home team a 3-0 lead. In the bottom of the second, an early CSUB error proved costly as UCSB went on to score five unearned runs, including four on a grand slam by pitcher Lexi Mills.

After the stumbles in the first two innings, Bakersfield pitcher Kaycie Kennedy settled down and helped quiet the Gauchos. Pitching in relief, Kennedy threw the final three innings, allowing no earned runs and scattering two hits and a walk.

Mills not only helped herself out with the offensive output, but the pitcher also put on a show in the circle, limiting CSUB to just one hit while striking out nine `Runners. CSUB was able to draw four walks, putting baserunners in scoring position in each of the first three innings, but Bakersfield failed to score in any of those opportunities.

The offensive bright spot of the day for CSUB was designated player Kayla Tadewosian. A fourth-year `Runner, Tadewosian tallied a single and a walk as the only player Mills was unable to retire on Friday.

CSUB (6-22, 1-9 Big West) and UCSB (11-24, 3-7 Big West) will return to Campus Diamond on Saturday to close the series with a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. (PT) once again and both games are scheduled to be aired live on ESPN+.
 
~GoRunners.com~
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