LBSU takes two games from Bradley

Bouncing back from Tuesday's losses to Oklahoma, the Long Beach State softball team took two games from visiting Bradley, Wednesday.

The 49ers (17-10) won game two 5-3. LBSU right fielder Jessica Smith smacked a solo homerun into left field to give the 49ers a 4-0 lead in the third inning.

The Braves (5-6) came back in the top of the seventh inning as the 49ers defense began to slack off. LBSU committed 5 errors in the seventh that lead to three Braves runs.
 

"It was a lack of concentration, that's all that is," Head Coach Pete Manarino said. "They were getting a little anxious, a little complacent."

49er Traci Hensel (6-6) went the distance despite giving up 3 unearned runs to record the win. Braves' pitcher Kari David (2-3) suffered the loss.

Game one was uneventful until the sixth inning. The sprinklers came on near left field. Shrieks came from the visitors, as the breeze sent water spraying all over the Braves' players and fans.

Later on that inning LBSU shortstop Nicole Spencer drove in pitcher Kristi Fox and second baseman Jaclyn Fredrickson on a knock to left field.

Fox (9-4), who struck out nine players in a complete game, recorded the win while Bradley's Cristin Evans (1-4) received the loss.

The 49ers begin conference play this weekend at 1:00 p.m. at the 49er softball complex with a doubleheader on Saturday versus Cal Poly.

"We've prepared ourselves with a tough schedule," Manarino said.