University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Long Beach State
49ers Shutout Tar Heels
March 11, 2012 | Softball
March 11, 2012
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LAKEWOOD, Calif.-- Erin Jones-Wesley pitched a complete-game shutout to lead Long Beach State to a 6-0 upset of No. 23 North Carolina Saturday night to conclude the Long Beach Invitational from Mayfair Park. Kelli Wheeler and Amy Nece each tallied a hit for UNC in the loss to the 49ers. The Tar Heels fall to 17-7 on the year.
The Tar Heels were in position to score early, with Kelli Wheeler leading the game off with a single to right field. Amy Nece then laid down a sacrifice bunt and Long Beach third baseman fielded the ball cleanly but the throw to first sailed on her. Wheeler was thrown out at home, but Nece advanced to third. Logan Foulks struck out swinging and Haleigh Dickey flied out to right field, stranding Nece at third.
Nalani St. Germain put the 49ers on the board in the bottom of the first with a three-run blast over the center field fence as Long Beach went ahead, 3-0. Long Beach added a run in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI-double to right center field by Hannah De Gaetano, increasing the 49er lead to 4-0.
Carolina threatened again in the top of the sixth, loading the bases with two outs. But Jordan Scarboro was unable to plate a run, popping up to the 49er shortstop. LBSU tacked on two more runs in the bottom half of the sixth frame as Megan Denio ripped a bases-loaded RBI-single up the middle, stretching the 49er advantage to 6-0.
Lori Spingola (11-6) was credited with the loss for UNC, surrendering six earned runs on six hits and three walks in six inning of work. The sophomore also registered eight strikeouts in the loss.
Carolina next returns home to host the East Carolina Pirates Tuesday, March 13, at 5 p.m. from Anderson Stadium.
