The UCLA softball team, ranked sixth nationally, secured an 8-0 victory over No. 12 LSU in a six-inning mercy-rule game at the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational held at Eddie C. Moore Complex on Sunday.
Senior pitcher Taylor Tinsley was instrumental in the win, delivering a complete-game shutout with three hits allowed and two walks. This marked her 10th career solo shutout and her third against a top-25 opponent.
UCLA’s offense produced 11 hits against four LSU pitchers. Freshman Bri Alejandre contributed significantly by hitting two doubles, including one in the first inning that brought home Rylee Slimp and Megan Grant for the game’s opening runs.
Megan Grant continued her strong start to the season by recording her 10th extra-base hit, a two-RBI double in the second inning. Of her 12 hits this season, ten have been for extra bases and nine have been home runs. She currently leads the team with 18 RBIs in the first ten games.
Senior Jordan Woolery added to UCLA’s lead with a two-run homer in the fourth inning, marking her sixth home run of the year. Rylee Slimp reached base three times during the game and scored on Woolery’s home run.
In the fifth inning, consecutive hit-by-pitches loaded the bases before an error by LSU’s third baseman allowed another UCLA run to score.
Alejandre opened the bottom of the sixth with her second double of the day and advanced to third on a groundout. Pinch hitter Ramsey Suarez then delivered an RBI single to right-center field, ending the game under mercy-rule conditions.
UCLA will next compete at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California. The Bruins are scheduled to play six games over four days from February 19 through February 22 at Big League Dreams Sports Complex.
