The historic start for No. 21 Long Beach State softball hit a speed bump on Tuesday as the 49ers dropped their home opener to No. 12 Baylor 5-2 on Tuesday.
“We didn’t play our best today,” LBSU coach Kim Sowder said. “But we feel like we can complete with anybody.”
LBSU has played some of the best teams in the country this season, and led Baylor (12-3) by a run after two innings, but the Bears bats delivered clutch hits in the third and fourth inning while pitcher Gia Rodoni dominated. The Baylor starter went the distance while scattering four hits.
First baseman Julia Lombardi was the only LBSU player with multiple hits, and she also scored a run. Shortstop Nichole Fry also had a hit, and scored the other run. LBSU starter Cielo Meza gave up six hits and four earned runs in five innings. Devyn Magnett pitched two scoreless innings of relief.
Baylor center fielder Jessie Scroggins (Lakewood HS) scored the first run of the game, and threw out a runner at first.
NCAA Softball: Long Beach State vs. Baylor
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LBSU will play five games at home this week as part of the Louisville Slugger Invitational. The 49ers face Michigan State and Boston on Thursday.