Cal Poly’s softball team lost to Long Beach State, 3-2, in a nine-inning game at Bob Janssen Field on April 19. The game was decided by a solo home run from Long Beach State’s Elissa Guerrero in the top of the ninth inning.
The close contest mattered for both teams as it was the final game of their three-game series. Cal Poly initially took the lead in the second inning when Sienna Erskine singled to left field, bringing home Sehren Martinez. However, Long Beach State responded with two runs in the fourth inning after Nina Sepulveda hit an RBI single and later scored on Audree Mendoza’s double.
Cal Poly tied the score again when Myleigh Cooper led off with a double and later crossed home plate thanks to Mylina Garza’s sacrifice fly. Pitcher Ally Robbins kept Cal Poly competitive by retiring ten consecutive batters between the fifth and eighth innings.
The Mustangs had an opportunity to win in the eighth inning after Leilani Allen singled and Cooper followed with another hit, but reliever Kate Barnett managed to get out of trouble for Long Beach State. In extra innings, Guerrero homered off Kaylee Davis, giving The Beach a decisive lead that Cal Poly could not overcome as they were retired in order during their final at-bat.
Cooper finished perfect at the plate with three hits, raising her batting average to .393. Defensively, A’Niyla Byrd recorded twelve outs from center field.
Looking ahead, Cal Poly will travel to Hawai’i for its next Big West regular season series on April 24 and April 25.
