Monday, May 4, 1998
Bruins split weekend into halves
SOFTBALL: UCLA captures game one of each doubleheader, but can’t
manage either second win
By Kimberly Edds
Daily Bruin Contributor
UCLA softball (17-24 Pac-10) has finally learned how to win the
first game of their doubleheaders. Unfortunately, they forgot how
to win the second game.
The Bruins picked up game one wins against the No. 25 Oregon
Ducks 7-4 and No. 22 Oregon State Beavers 3-0, but failed to come
out strong in the second games, losing both of those games by just
two runs.
The Ducks (37-24) beat the Bruins 3-1 and the Beavers (27-24,
8-16 Pac-10) came out on top 2-0 in the series ender.
The highlight of the weekend was UCLA right fielder Lupe
Brambila’s first inning grand slam to center field in game one
against the Ducks to get the Bruins on the right track. The homer
was Brambila’s first of her collegiate career.
Third baseman Nicole Odom also contributed in a big way to the
UCLA victory with her own homer to left with shortstop Casey
Hiraiwa on base.
After jumping out to a 6-0 lead, the Bruins gave up two runs in
the bottom of the second.
UCLA answered with another run in the top of the third when
center fielder Danielle Martin scored on a single to center field
by Hiraiwa.
The game remained 7-2 until the bottom of the sixth inning when
the Ducks rallied for two runs when Tia Dumas doubled to score
Melinda Walton and Jennifer Apfelbaum.
Triawn Custer helped Oregon to their second game win over the
Bruins by going 2-for-2 with 2 RBI and one walk.
UCLA pitcher Stephanie Swenson, who relieved Erin Weiler in both
Bruin wins, had a great weekend in the circle, improving her record
to 8-8.
Weiler (7-9) and UCLA’s other starter Lyndsey Gayer (2-7) both
had to suffer close losses on this road trip.
Hiraiwa has continued to show off her impressive hitting by
going an amazing 7-for-13 on the trip.
UCLA got a big break when Oregon State ace and offensive threat
Tarrah Beyster was held hitless in one at bat with two walks on
Sunday. Beyster suffered the loss in game one, dropping to
21-14.
The Bruins will face California and Stanford at home at Easton
Stadium this weekend in their season-ending series.