ASU softball was dealt a tough loss to the No. 15 UCLA Bruins, falling by a score of 8-6.
The game looked promising as the Sun Devils entered the seventh inning with a 6-3 lead. But the Bruins found the win in walk off style, after a three-run home run ended game one of the three-game series.
The Sun Devils had a big inning in the sixth after being down 3-1. Junior shortstop Chelsea Gonzales hit a two-run home run, tying the game up 3-3. Senior catcher Katee Aguirre helped steal the lead after hitting an RBI single and putting the Sun Devils on top 4-3.
On the night, Aguirre went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
ASU would find two more runs in the seventh after the UCLA defense recorded some miscues.
But pitching was the ultimate factor in Friday's loss against the Bruins.
Sophomore pitcher Dale Ryndak was in the circle for the first two innings. Ryndak gave up three hits and two runs, one big hit being a two-run home run in the first inning.
Throughout the second inning, Ryndak was holding her lower back after a throw to first base caused her some discomfort. She was able to finish the second inning, but did not return in the third inning.
Sophomore pitcher Breanna Macha came in for Ryndak in the third inning. Macha battled hard against the speedy UCLA offense for the first three innings. But Macha was unable to take the heat much longer, giving up a three-run home run in the seventh inning allowing the Bruins to take the win by a walk off.
Macha gave up six runs on 10 hits, facing 22 batters.
The Sun Devils will look to snap their 10 game losing streak as they face the Bruins for game two of the series on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Reach the reporter at lmbrunet@asu.edu or follow @Leah_brunette on Twitter.
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