After knocking off No. 4 UCLA in its first game of the day, the LSU softball team fell 6-5 to Cal State Fullerton, suffering its first loss of the season on Thursday night at Anderson Family Field in Fullerton, California.
No. 5 LSU (15-1) rallied from a 6-2 deficit, making it a one-run game in the sixth inning, and had the go-ahead run in scoring position in the seventh inning. Cal State Fullerton (12-5) was able to hold on for the win, despite being outhit 6-4 and committing three errors. LSU left 12 runners on base, including three in the final inning.
Pitcher Jayden Heavener (3-1) was given the loss. Although she allowed no hits and struck out three batters, she walked four and was responsible for four runs scored in 1.2 innings. Pitcher Tatum Clopton relieved the freshman for the final 4.1 innings, where she struck out three batters and gave up four hits, four walks and two runs. The LSU pitching staff walked a season-high eight batters in the loss.
Fullerton's Trisha McCleskey (5-3) earned the victory. In 6.0 innings, McCleskey had three strikeouts, was hit six times, handed out six walks and gave up five runs. Leanna Garcia logged her first save of the season after recording the final two outs, including one strikeout.
LSU infielder Sierra Daniel was 2-for-3 at the plate, had a game-high two RBI and scored one run. Outfielder Jadyn Laneaux was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and drew one walk.
Earlier in the day, a two-run, four-hit sixth inning propelled the Tigers over No. 4 UCLA, 2-1 on Thursday afternoon to open the Judi Garman Classic.
The win marks the second consecutive season that LSU has defeated a top-five nationally ranked team.
Pitcher Sydney Berzon (6-0) turned in her 40th career win in the circle after striking out four batters and giving up five hits, one run and one walk in 7.0 innings.
UCLA's Kaitlyn Terry (8-2) received the loss after tossing 6.0 innings, where she struck out four batters and surrendered seven hits, two runs and two walks.
LSU continues the Judi Garman Classic on Friday with an 11:30 a.m. game against Utah followed by a 2 p.m. game against Notre Dame.