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Willis Shines But Huskies Fall 4-2 To #2 UCLA

by gohuskies.com
Apr 25, 2021

LOS ANGELES – The #4 Washington Huskies lost a tight one to the #2 UCLA Bruins 4-2 in the series finale. The Huskies managed to bring the tying run to the plate in each of the final three innings, but the game-breaking hit eluded Washington. The two teams were a combined 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position, with UCLA's two first-inning homers making the difference.

Washington is 35-9 overall and 13-4 in Pac-12 play heading into its bye week, with no games scheduled next weekend.

Both runs for the Huskies came via Sarah Willis, who had her first collegiate home run and an RBI double in the seventh. Baylee Klingler advanced into scoring position after both her single and HBP but was stranded there. Sami Reynolds, Noelle Hee, and Megan Vandegrift all singled as well.

Brooke Nelson faced just two batters over the minimum in her three innings of work, giving up one run via a solo home run. Pat Moore struck out five of the seven batters she faced, allowing only one baserunner in the final two innings, coming via a walk. The five strikeouts were the most by Moore since February 21, 2020, when she had a career-best nine strikeouts in seven innings.

SCORING
  • First Inning: Two home runs by UCLA put the Bruins on the board first, 3-0.
  • Third Inning: In her first-ever start in the outfield, Willis hit her first collegiate home run on an 0-2 pitch, making it 3-1. UCLA would have a solo home run in the bottom half to stretch its lead back to three runs.
  • Seventh Inning: Willis' second RBI of the day came on the double to right-center, scoring Vandegrift all the way from first.

 

NOTES
  • Willis (2x3, 2B, HR, 2 RBI) has hits in each of her last three games with an at-bat.
  • Klingler (1x2, HBP) extended her hitting streak to five games, hitting .467 in that time.
  • Klingler is the third player in the Pac-12 and second Husky to reach 50 hits.
  • Reynolds (1x3) has hits in seven of the last eight games, hitting .476 in that time.
  • Hee (1x3) ends a streak of four consecutive hits driving in runs.
  • Moore (2.0 IP, 1 BB, 5 K) has held opponents scoreless in four of her last five appearances.
  • Vandegrift (1x1) has pinch-hit singles in each of her last three at-bats.

The Huskies will have next week off before returning to play with their final home series of the regular season. Washington will host Utah for four games, beginning May 7. All four of those games will be streamed free via the Washington live stream.

Make sure to follow the Huskies on social media at @UWSoftball.

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