FULLERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Fullerton softball team rallied to upset 14th-ranked Auburn, 3-2, behind a complete game gem from Desiree Ybarra at Anderson Family Field on Friday evening in day two of the Judi Garman Classic.
After the visiting Tigers (24-2) put an absolute shellacking on No. 13 Arizona, 20-2 in a game earlier in the evening, Ybarra (6-5) knew that the Auburn offense was running on all cylinders. The left-hander limited the Tigers' offense to just two runs on seven hits while walking five and fanning two.
The top of the sixth frame was a crucial juncture for Ybarra, as Auburn was able to load the bases on a pair of walks and a single from Morgan Estell with Fullerton (14-10) holding onto a 3-1 lead. With only one out, the Riverside, Calif. native forced Courtney Shea to pop out to CSF's Samantha Galarza for the second out. AU's Carlee Wallace drew the third base on balls in the inning to plate a run and cut the deficit down to 3-2. Ybarra was able to regain her control and escape the inning without further damage after Tiffany Howard grounded out to end the threat.
Auburn's 1-2-3 hitters of Howard, Emily Carosone and Kasey Cooper were stifled to a combined 3-for-12 after slugging Arizona just hours earlier batting an efficient 7-for-10.
After the Tigers took the lead 1-0 in the second inning, Fullerton responded with a two out rally in the bottom of the third as sophomore Delynn Rippy collected an infield single to the second baseman. Missy Taukeiaho drew her team-high 19th walk of the season to place two runners on. Mizzou transfer Sarah Moore came through with an RBI single to center field to score Rippy and deadlock the contest at one apiece.
A trio of Cal State Fullerton freshmen were an intricate part of two insurance runs in the fourth as pinch hitter Bryanna Ybarra dropped a one out single into right center. Paige Kisling came out of the dugout to pinch run for Ybarra, advancing to third on a double by Shianne Brannan that was smashed half way up the left field wall. Samantha Vandiver continued her torrid offensive production since being inserted into the starting line-up, roping a double into the left center gap to plate both Kisling and Brannan to extend the Titans' lead to 3-1.
Vandiver's (1-for-2) double was the first of her career while her two RBIs translated into her second multi-RBI game of the season.
Auburn starter Marcy Harper (5-2) was chased after three and 1/3 innings, surrendering three runs on six hits. Tigers' relief pitcher Lexi Davis tossed the final two and 2/3 frames, effectively holding Fullerton hitless the rest of the way.
The Titans will continue their long weekend hosting Iowa (6-13) tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in day three of the Judi Garman Classic at Anderson Family Field in Fullerton, Calif.
Game Notes: This is Fullerton's second victory over a top 25 squad this season after an 8-7 walk-off of then 21st-ranked Notre Dame on Feb. 8…The upset was also the highest ranked opponent in a Titans' win since a 6-1 decision over then No. 15 Baylor in 2014…CSF now owns a 2-1 edge over AU in the all-time seriess…The Titans are 5-2 on Friday's and 7-4 in home games...Vandiver extended her hitting streak to a team-high eight games…Brannan carded the first double of her career in the fourth inning...This was the sixth come-from-behind win of 2015 for the Titans.
JUDI GARMAN PARKING INFORMATION:
With a full slate of Fullerton home events including a three-game baseball series and men's basketball senior night, the parking for this weekend's Judi Garman Classic is allocated to Dumbo Downs (or lot D), and the lots adjacent to the Children's Center. Please note that parking in this area will also place you nearest to the softball entrance to the sports complex, while other entrances will be designated for baseball only. CSUF Campus Map