Behind a pair of strong pitching performances and home runs from senior Danielle Linke and junior Bridgette Pagano, Long Beach State swept its doubleheader against UC Santa Barbara, winning 4-0 and 1-0, Saturday afternoon at the 49er Softball Complex, with both games televised nationally on ESPN-U.  With the victories, The Beach improves to 25-17 overall and 6-4 in Big West Conference action, while the Gauchos drop to 21-20 and 4-7 BWC.

Sophomore Brooke Turner (14-9) earned her 23rd career shutout with a 4-0 triumph in the opener. Turner went the distance, scattering just two hits while striking out three. UCSB had just five total base runners with only three advancing past first.

The 49er offense gave Turner more than enough support with four runs on nine hits and two Gaucho errors. Linke led the way with a triple and a home run, while juniors Ashley Levine, Brandy Reyes and Ashley Weber all chipped in with a pair of hits. Reyes also had two RBI.

Freshman Taylor Petty (11-4) continued the 49ers’ success in the circle in the second game with her fourth shutout of the season. Petty tossed a two-hit gem, striking out four in 7.0 innings of work.

Pagano provided the game-winning run in the bottom of the second with a solo shot over the left field fence. It was Pagano’s third career home run and first of the season.

Long Beach State had numerous chances to increase its lead, stranding 11 runners. The 49ers loaded the bases in each of the first three innings, but were unable to come through with the clutch hit.

Senior Jonae Perez finished the game 2-for-3, while Linke, Reyes and senior Brianna Goad all chipped in with a hit.

The Beach will look to complete the series sweep tomorrow as it takes on UCSB at 1pm at the 49er Softball Complex.

From LBSU reports