SAN DIEGO, Calif. (UCFKnights.com) - Jazmine Esparza went 2-for-3 and brought in the Knights only run as UCF fell to the San Diego State Aztecs, 3-1, Thursday night in the opening game of the San Diego Classic.
Courtney Rotton collected two hits on the night, while Hayley Bejarano and Aubrey Johnson each grabbed a hit for UCF.
Kamryn Toney picks up her first loss of the 2018 season in the circle as the Knights move to 9-7 on the season.
The Knights' bats came alive in the third inning after Esparza singled to right field and Denali Schappacher reached on an Aztec miscue. Johnson joined her teammates on the base paths reaching first on a fielder's choice. San Diego State got out of the inning with a ground ball, but the Knights came back in the fourth looking for more.
Cassady Brewer started off the fourth inning with a walk and moved to second after Courtney Rotton ripped a single to center field. Bejarano quickly singled up the middle to load the bases for UCF. With one out, Esparza connected for her second hit of the night bringing home Rotton. After a string of outs, the Knights led 1-0.
The Aztecs wouldn't let the lead last long as they strung together three hits and two runs to move ahead on the visiting Knights. San Diego State attacked again in the bottom of the sixth after another pair of singles for the final score of 3-1.
On Deck
The Knights are back in action on Friday for a double header first facing the 49ers of Long Beach State at 2:30 p.m. ET followed by a battle with No.3/4 UCLA. Live stats will be available for both matchups.