UCLA softball's three grand slams lead to Long Beach State dismantling

The No. 8 UCLA softball team left no doubt in the latter innings to defeat Long Beach State 27-9 at LBSU Softball Complex in Long Beach, Calif. on Wednesday.

The Bruins scored 18 of their 27 runs in the sixth and seventh innings, which continued the pattern of a late-game comebacks to defeat their midweek opponent. UCLA's batters came alive against the Beach as their offense seemed to petrify their opponent on the mound by blasting 18 hits and drawing 16 walks for 23 RBI's and on the 27 runs. UCLA struck out just twice over the entirety of the game.

Let's get it started

UCLA started off strong with senior utility Megan Grant batting a homer before the Bruins putting up two more runs in the top of the first. In the top of the second, the Bruins tacked on some more, with the inning being capped off with a grand slam by senior infielder Jordan Woolery.

Making it a game

In the top of the third, UCLA left the inning scoreless, which was something Long Beach State would take advantage of. The Sharks came back into the game in a fury with four of their hits leading to seven runs in the bottom of the inning.

Keeping it even

The Beach snatched their first lead of the game in the bottom of the fourth with two more runs coming off of three hits. UCLA responded with two runs off of a fielding error in the top of the fifth to keep the game tied at 9-9.

Taking the lead

In the top of the sixth, the Bruins scored two runs before sophomore infielder Kaniya Bragg blasted a grand slam to left field to put UCLA up by six runs.

Leaving no doubt

UCLA made contact with eight pitches and took advantage of four errors by Long Beach State to nearly double their runs with 12 runs in the top of the seventh. The inning started with a two-run homer by sophomore utility player Soo-Jin Berry. Three runs later and freshman infielder Bri Alejandre hit UCLA's third grand slam of the game. A single and a fielding error would lead to the final two runs of the game.