SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – After falling behind 2-0, the IUPUI softball team needed a late-inning rally to extend their winning streak to nine games, but it fell just short dropping a 2-1 decision to Sacramento State at Bob Janssen Field.
 
The loss dipped the Jaguars record to 12-4, while Sacramento State improved to 7-9.
 
The Hornets got out the early lead scoring two runs in the second inning of IUPUI starter Brooke Boetjer. Meanwhile, Sacramento State starter Caitlin Brooks cruised through two innings giving up one walk while striking out five to keep the Jags off the scoreboard.
 
After Boetjer faced one batter in the third, Emili Escamilla replaced her in the circle and despite giving up five hits and a walk over the final 5.0 innings, she didn't let the Hornets put another run on the board for the remainder of the game.
 
The Jags remained hitless through five innings against Brooks, but Megan Cory changed that in the sixth with a lead-off solo home run cutting the Jags lead in half, 2-1.
 
With the 2-1 score still intact heading into IUPUI's final at bat, Nickole Finch pinch hit with one out and was hit by a pitch to get on base. Taylor Chitwood came back into the game to pinch run for Finch, and she moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt from Jazmine Pedrotti. With the game hanging in the balance, it would be a strike out that ended the game giving the Hornets the 2-1 win.
 
IUPUI is back in action on Friday night at 10 p.m. ET, against former Summit League foe Southern Utah.