The University of California, Los Angeles softball team won 5-4 against Indiana in the series opener at Easton Stadium, according to an April 3 announcement.
The game was highlighted by sophomore Rylee Slimp’s performance, as she went 4 for 4 and hit a go-ahead three-run home run. The victory improves UCLA’s record to 31-5 overall and 11-2 in Big Ten play.
Slimp accounted for more than half of UCLA’s seven hits during the game. Senior right-hander Taylor Tinsley pitched her twelfth complete game of the season, striking out five and allowing four runs—two earned—to earn her seventeenth win. Tinsley did not issue a walk for just the second time this season when pitching four or more innings.
Indiana started strong with two runs in the third inning after Aly VanBrandt’s double to left field. UCLA responded with key defensive plays from shortstop Aleena Garcia and catcher Alexis Ramirez, who threw out a runner attempting to steal. The Bruins tied the score through contributions from Grant’s RBI double and capitalized on errors by Indiana’s defense.
A three-run rally in the bottom of the sixth inning put UCLA ahead after Garcia singled, Jolyna Lamar walked, and Slimp homered off reliever Ella Troutt. Although Indiana added a run in the seventh inning, UCLA ended the game with a double play.
UCLA will aim to secure a series win against Indiana tomorrow night at Easton Stadium. The next game is scheduled for streaming on BigTenPlus.com.
