OKLAHOMA CITY — UCLA had its chances against a familiar foe at the Women’s College World Series on Saturday.
But the Bruins, who walked off with a win against Oregon late early Friday morning, failed to duplicate the same magic against Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady.
Canady, the hard-throwing former Stanford ace, pitched a complete game four-hitter with seven strikeouts and two walks to help secure a 3-1 win for the Red Raiders and a spot in Monday’s semifinals.
The Bruins left five runners on base against Canady — three in the second inning and two more in the seventh. Back-to-back singles by Alexis Ramirez and Rylee Slimp to lead off the seventh gave UCLA hope against Canady.
But Bragg popped out to second, pinch-hitter Sofia Mujica struck out and Slimp was tagged out to end the game.
The Bruins (55-12) now must travel a different path if they are going to challenge for a 13th national title. UCLA plays Tennessee on Sunday at noon (PDT) and must win to extend their season.
Texas Tech (52-12) needs just one win to reach the championship series. The Red Raiders, who are playing in the Women’s College World Series for the first time, will face either four-time defending champion Oklahoma or Oregon, who play Sunday.
Taylor Tinsley (15-5) pitched a complete game four-hitter with one walk and two strikeouts for UCLA, which scored on a solo home run by Kaniya Bragg in the fifth to make it 1-1.
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