UCLA softball defeated Penn State 6-1 in the Big Ten Quarterfinals, showcasing strong pitching from Taylor Tinsley. The Bruins hit three home runs to secure their spot in the semifinals.
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UCLA softball was ranked No. 3 in the Big Ten Tournament and they proved as much against No. 11 Penn State in a 6-1 blowout at the Maryland Softball Stadium on Thursday, May 7 for the Big Ten Quarterfinals.
The Bruins did not play the Nittany Lions throughout the regular season, but they gained the upper-hand early and pinpoint pitching by senior right-handed pitcher Taylor Tinsley gave UCLA plenty of opportunity to shutdown any momentum Penn State accrued. Tinsley ended the game playing all seven innings and allowing five hits and five walks for a run with nine strikeouts.
Tinsley allowed a single and a double in the top of the first, but didn't allow any runner to get past third base. UCLA took advantage of their defensive team holding Penn State scoreless in the first with three home runs. Senior utility Megan Grant hit the first hom run. Shortly after, redshirt freshman infielder Aleena Garcia struck a two-run homer ahead of freshman infielder Bri Alejandre's home run to put UCLA up by four.
In the top of the second, Tinsley held the Nittany Lions off the bases after allowing a walk. A double and two walks had UCLA set up in the bottom of the second, but the Bruins couldn't get anyone home despite the bases being loaded.
Tinsley cleaned up a walk in the top of the third with a double play following a strikeout. This time, UCLA's batters took the opportunities they were given as redshirt junior center fielder Alexis Ramirez sending a homer to center field to start the bottom of the third. Junior utility Soo-Jin Berry followed it up with a double and freshman utility Jolyna Lamar sent Berry home with a triple.
UCLA's defensive unit refused to give up a run in the fourth and fifth, which set the Bruins up for a chance to get a run-rule to begin their Big Ten Tournament run.
UCLA won the game against Penn State with a score of 6-1.
Taylor Tinsley was the standout pitcher, allowing five hits and striking out nine batters over seven innings.
UCLA hit three home runs during the game against Penn State.
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However, the Bruins batters weren't able to get the two-runs they needed, despite Penn State allowing UCLA to load the bases in the bottom of the fifth. Lamar hit a double and then the Nittany Lions walked Grant and senior infielder Jordan Woolery after sophomore outfielder Rylee Slimp grounded out. A double play stemming from a hit by Garcia kept Penn State's hopes alive.
UCLA allowed their first run of the game in the top of the sixth off of a throwing error from a bunt. Tinsley wrapped up the game in the top of the seventh with the her only hit allowed being a single.
The Bruins defeating Penn State allowed them to move on and face No. 7 Wisconsin in the semifinals on Friday, May 8 with an anticipated start time of 4:30 p.m. PT.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA softball advance past Penn State with win in Big Ten Tournament