• Final stats

The UCF Knights have won their share of close games this season, earning five of their nine wins by two runs or less. On Thursday, UCF lost one of those close games.

UCF (9-7) lost to San Diego State University (7-10) 3-1 to start the San Diego Classic I on March 1.

Kamryn Toney (1-1) started the game for UCF, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing two runs on three hits. Toney also walked three and struck out only one batter. Sophomore Alea White finished the game, pitching 2.1 innings and giving up one run, one hit and striking out four.

After three scoreless innings, Knights first baseman Jazmine Esparza singled with the bases loaded in the fourth, driving in Courtney Rotton for UCF’s lone run of the game.

The Knights stranded three, though, as Damara Begin struck out swinging, and Hayley Bejarano was tagged out at home to end the inning.

It would not take long for the Aztecs to strike back, as they scored two runs in their half of the fourth. Junior Molly Sturdivant started with a lead-off base hit to right-center field before the Aztecs’ next two batters grounded out to third and lined out to right.

But even with two outs, San Diego State found a way to score.

First baseman Taylor Adams singled to left field, driving in pinch runner Kiera Wright from third. Adams ran home to break the 1-1 tie when third baseman Iesha Hill singled down the right-field line and UCF right fielder Denali Schappacher committed a throwing error.

SDSU scored again with two outs to claim a narrow, two-run lead in the sixth. White recorded two of her four strikeouts to start the bottom half of the sixth but ultimately allowed another San Diego State run. Center fielder Megan Smith singled to drive in Aris Metcalfe for a 3-1 lead.

Alex Formby (4-5) was credited with the win after she relieved sophomore starter Marissa Moreno. Moreno pitched the first 3.0 innings with three strikeouts, allowing four hits, an earned run and a walk. Formby finished allowing just two hits and striking out six of her 12 batters faced.

The Knights had no answer for the Aztecs’ pitching toward the end of the game. UCF was unable to get anyone on base in the final three innings, finishing off a poor hitting night–wherein UCF hit 6-for-28 (0.214)–hitless and 0-for-9.

Who’s Next?

UCF plays No. 22 Long Beach State University and the No. 3 UCLA Bruins in a double-header against two ranked teams on Friday at 2:30 p.m.

For more on the Knights, as they look to play three more games in the San Diego Classic I, follow Nick Santiago on Twitter at @NickSantiagoUCF.