UCLA
Washington
Bruin Softball Downed by Washington, 3-1
April 21, 2000 | Softball
April 21, 2000
SEATTLE - The Bruins did everything right on Friday afternoon at Husky Softball Stadium, but it wasn't enough, as top-ranked Washington pulled out a 3-1 victory over No. 3 UCLA. With the win, the Huskies improve to 47-4 (9-1 Pac-10), and UCLA falls to 32-7-1 (7-3 Pac-10).
Freed started the game with a single to right field and advanced to third on a sacrifice by Natasha Watley and a fly out by Lyndsey Klein, but was unable to score. In the circle, Freed faced the minimum number of batters through the first three innings.
In the top of the fourth, Klein walked to start the Bruin rally, before Julie Marshall singled and Courtney Dale walked to load the bases. Tairia Mims then reached on an error by Husky second baseman Christie Rosenblad, to score Klein. Marshall tried for the plate while Rosenblad was trying to get a handle on the ball, but was thrown out at the plate for the third out of the inning.
Washington answered in the bottom half of the inning as shortstop Rosie Leutzinger hit a leadoff home run that just cleared the right field fence. Freed proceeded to strike out UW's two, three and five hitters to end the inning.
The game remained tied until the bottom of the sixth inning, when Leutzinger earned a one-out walk, followed by a bunt by Kelly Hauxhurst. Bruin catcher Marshall unsuccessfully tried for the out at second base, giving the Huskies runners on first and second. Jaime Clark popped out to Klein for the second out of the inning, before Jenny Topping walked to load the bases, setting up a two-RBI double by Kim DePaul.
UCLA threatened in the top of the seventh, when pinch hitter Casey Hiraiwa blooped a single just behind the Husky first baseman. From there, Lupe Brambila popped out and Freed reached on a fielders choice with Hiraiwa out at second.
Controversy ensued as Watley swung at and was hit by a 2-2 pitch. The home plate umpire signaled Watley to first base, but after a lengthy off-field discussion, Watley was called out on strikes to end the game.
The Bruins and Huskies take to the field again on Saturday, with a 1 p.m. first pitch. The game is scheduled to be broadcast live on FOX Sports Net, and can be seen live in the Los Angeles area on FOX Sports West with Jim Watson and Angie Arlati calling the action. It will also be re-broadcast on FOX Sports West 2 at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
