ASU Softball: Devils Comeback Falls Short versus UCLA

After taking two of three games versus Cal last weekend, ASU softball began their final home series of the season versus UCLA falling to the Bruins 4-3.

ASU softball was back in action Thursday hosting the 10th-ranked UCLA Bruins in their final series of the regular season.

No. 22 Arizona State looking to boost their resume with Selection Sunday this week with a series win over a Top-10 team.

The Sun Devils will have to win the final two games of the series for that to happen after dropping the first game of the series 4-3 Thursday.

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After trailing 3-0 heading to the bottom of the fourth inning, Arizona State came back to tie the game with three runs in the inning on an RBI single by catcher Sashel Palacios and a two-run single by right fielder Fa Leilua.

The Sun Devils relieved starter Breanna Macha after three innings allowing 2 earned runs on 7 hits bringing on freshman pitcher Alyssa Loza.

In her first appearance since April 23 versus Utah, Loza pitched very well holding the Bruins to no runs until the seventh inning where UCLA took the lead.

Starting pitcher Rachel Garcia hit a two-out solo home run to center field to give the Bruins a 4-3 lead.

Garcia would keep the Sun Devils in check in the home-half of the seventh inning allowing one single as UCLA held on for the one-run victory.

In her 17th win of the season, Garcia threw a complete game allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits with a walk and eight strikeouts.

Loza finished the game throwing four innings allowing two earned runs on five hits walking and striking out one Bruin.

The Sun Devils were out-hit 12-5 as four Bruins finished with multiple hits as left fielder Gabrielle Maurice lead the game with three hits.

Next: ASU Athletics: Top Storylines for 2017

The second game of this series is Friday as the Sun Devils will look to even up the series. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. PST and can be seen on Pac-12 Arizona.

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