Fullerton Friday, 2-1, in Extra Innings on Day One of the Long Beach Airport Marriott Invitational Add Comment    Mar 12, 2011

The Aggies give up two late runs to fall to the Titans.

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Utah State softball took an early lead but gave up two late runs to fall to Cal State Fullerton, 2-1, in eight innings on Friday in the first day of the Long Beach Airport Marriott Invitational.

With the loss, Utah State is now 5-15, while Cal State Fullerton improves to 7-10. USU is now 1-3 in extra innings games and has played three extra inning games this week.

Utah State crossed the plate first in the top of the fourth inning to take a 1-0 lead. With one out, senior designated player Shasta Tyteca singled and moved to second on an illegal pitch by CSF starting pitcher Ari Cervantes. Tyteca moved to third on a ground out by senior outfielder Joreigh Landers. Junior third baseman Tatem Day drove in her ninth run of the season with a two-out single to right to score Tyteca.

Despite getting hits in five of the first seven innings, Utah State was not able to capitalize with any more runs.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Titans tied the score when Lauren Mario homered to center with one out to send the game into extra innings. Utah State came out in the top of the eighth and Marquez lined out to first base. Sophomore catcher Tina Ferguson attempted to put USU up but grounded out to the shortstop. The final at bat for USU was junior first baseman Ashley Ventura who grounded out to end the inning.

CS Fullerton came to the plate in the bottom of the eighth and its first batter Ariel Tsuchiyama tripled to left center. Torrie Anderson walked, putting runners on third and first, and Sammie Dabbs pinch ran for Anderson. Dabbs promptly stole second. Ashley Carter ended the game with a single to left field to bring home Dabbs and give the Titans the 2-1 win.

Utah State is back in action on Saturday, March 12, taking on Saint Mary's at 10 a.m (MT) and Sacramento State at 12:15 p.m. in day two of the Long Beach Airport Marriott Invitational.

-Utah College Sports News staff and wire reports

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Utah College Sports Wire