University of Nevada Las Vegas
California
3/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 22, 2003
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - One run in the fifth inning was all No. 5 California needed to defeat the UNLV softball team 1-0 at the Capital Classic on Saturday.
The Rebels (14-20) looked poised to pull off the upset behind starting pitcher Jackie Kerrigan after holding the Bears (27-6) to just three hits and no runs through the first four innings of the game.
But a leadoff double in the fifth became trouble for the Rebels. Jessica Pamanian drilled a shot to right, the only hit to get out of the infield for Cal. Pamanian moved to third on a sac bunt and scored on a sac fly by Kristen Morley.
UNLV squandered its best scoring opportunity a half-inning later. Bridget Byrne started the inning with a slap hit over the third baseman's head. She went to second on Amber Campbell's sacrifice bunt, and Campbell was safe at first after the Bears chose to try to put out Byrne. Morgan Bostwick then sacrificed herself to advance the runners, putting two runners in scoring position with one out.
However, Cal starter Kristina Thorson caught a break after that, getting Lisa Moses to pop up and Pauline Glenn to strike out to end the inning.
Kerrigan, despite falling to 11-8 on the year, surrendered just three hits from the circle and went 2-for-3 at the plate with a double. Her first hit, a single to left, broke up Thorson's no-hit bid. The Cal righty improved to 9-2.
The Rebels continue play in the Capital Classic on Saturday, slated to face Utah State for the second time this season at 3:00 p.m.
