Softball team routs LMU

 

By Jay Seidel, On-line Forty-Niner

April 23, 1998

The No. 14 Long Beach State softball team ended its 39-inning streak of holding its opponents scoreless as Loyola Marymount scored two runs in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader at the 49er Softball Complex.

 

However, The Beach compensated by scoring a season high 13 runs to complete the sweep of the doubleheader, 1-0 and 13-2.

 

"It was nice to get the offense going like that," 49er Coach Pete Manarino said of The Beach's scoring rally in the second game.

 

Sophomore right-hander Kristi Fox (16-5) allowed only three hits as she picked up the win in the first game.

 

The Beach (31-12, and 12-7 in The Big West Conference) scored the only run in the sixth inning. Senior second baseman Amanda Favorite led off the inning with a single to left and moved to second on a sacrifice by freshman right fielder Jen Spigner.

 

Senior designated player Amber Griego hit a grounder to second, which was misplayed by Lions' second baseman Stephanie Sandell, allowing Favorite to score.

 

The 49ers are the top fielding team in the nation with a fielding percentage of .977 and 937 putouts.

 

Freshman first baseman Stacy Silva has 446 putouts this season, the third-best single-season record in 49er history.

 

"Defense is our thing," Manarino said. "It's quite an honor to be tops in the nation."

 

The Beach racked up seven of its 13 runs in the first inning of the second-game rout.

 

Freshman pitcher Kelly Nasrawi (5-2) earned the win pitching two innings.

 

Freshman right-hander Traci Hensel pitched the final three innings.

 

This marks the first time she has seen action since fracturing her ribs in a fall on March 14. Hensel allowed three hits and gave up two runs in her return to the circle.

 

"We're brining her back slow," Manarino said. "We'll need her in the final stretch of the season."

 

Lions' starter Jenny Hart picked up the loss, allowing six hits and giving up 11 runs.

 

Hart walked three and hit a batter in the first inning before being replaced by Laura De Leon, who gave up two runs on four hits. Hart returned in the second inning under the re-entry rule and finished the game.

 

The second game blowout was shortened due to the eight-run, five inning mercy rule.

 

As the season winds down, The Beach will face Cal State Fullerton Saturday at the 49er Softball Complex in a Big West Conference doubleheader.

 

The Titans are 24-23 this season and 10-12 in the Big West.

 

"They're a good team, and it's a great rivalry," Manarino said. "We'll have to stick together down the stretch, and do the things that we need to do."