LA JOLLA – In a similar fashion to Tuesday's games, No. 21-ranked UC San Diego shut out Humboldt State in the first game, claiming an 8-0 victory in six innings, and completed the sweep with a 9-1 win in five innings in the nightcap. 

GAME ONE BOX
GAME TWO BOX

Humboldt States fall to 8-21 overall, 2-18 in California Collegiate Athletic Association competition with the losses, while UCSD jumps to 24-8 on the season and 18-6 in conference action.

Unlike the first game in the four-game series, the Jacks registered multiple hits against Camille Gaito in Wednesday's first game, with four Lumberjacks posting a hit each. Kirsten Nouzovsky started the Jacks off in the first inning with a single down the left line, but was left stranded as the Tritons grabbed three outs to take their first swing on offense.

The Jacks held the Tritons scoreless in the first two innings, but had a few close calls. In the bottom of the first, UCSD loaded up the bases, capitalizing off a Lumberjack error. Dani Randall ended the inning by catching a fly ball in center field to prevent any runs.

After going down in order in the top of the third, the Jacks took the field on defense again, hoping to once again hold the Tritons. With two outs and two runners on base, Caitlin Brown doubled to right center to put UCSD up 2-0 before Kayla Evans struck out the last batter to end the inning. 

Humboldt State had a chance to put itself up on the board in the top of the fourth after Nouzovsky walked and Courtney Hiatt singled to put the tying runners on base. With two outs already under the Tritons' belt, Mya Romero caught a line drive for the third out.

The Tritons added three more runs off four hits in the bottom of the fourth to put the score at 5-0 heading into the fifth. Allison McKibbon singled through the left side to try to initiate a rally for the Jacks, but was the only Lumberjack to find the hole for a base hit.

In the bottom of the sixth, UCSD turned the fire up and grabbed three runs off three hits to end the game due to the mercy rule, despite the HSU picking up two outs.

Trying to shake off the first game, Humboldt State held UC San Diego in the first inning of play, but couldn't produce anything on offense in its first chance at bat. Hiatt started the second inning by taking ball four to reach on base. Felicia Viveiros laid a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance Hiatt to second, where Erin Guidarelli took over running for Hiatt. The Jacks couldn't bring Guidarelli in, however, as the Tritons put out the next two batters.

UCSD took the first lead in the bottom of the second, scoring a staggering six runs off seven hits. The Tritons then added an additional run in the bottom of the third, putting pressure on Humboldt State to get some runs or the game could end early, much like the first game in the series.

Determined to not be shut out on the day, the Jacks scored a run in the top of the fourth. Hiatt reached first after being hit by a pitch and was joined by Viveiros who took ball four. McKibbon singled down the right field line to load up the bases with no outs. Serena Aragones reached on off a fielder's choice, scoring Hiatt in the process.

In the bottom of the fifth, Brown homered to once again threaten an early end to the game. Just needing one more run to finish the nightcap and grab the Tritons' fourth win of the series, UCSD loaded up the bases with just one out. Alyssa Castillo connected with Hiatt to grab the second out and prevent the Tritons from scoring. The Jacks just needed one more out so they could step up to the plate one more time, but Romero's single batted in the game-winning run to end the nightcap in five innings. 

Humboldt State hits the road for the third week in a row, travelling to Cal State San Bernardino for doubleheaders on March 23 and 24.