Matadors Count on Home Improvement : Northridge Splits With Long Beach, Prepares for Critical Stretch

Split away, sweep at home.

Although it may sound like a secret code for the maid, it’s actually the formula Cal State Northridge softball Coach Janet Sherman used to get the Matadors back in the Big West Conference mix.

Northridge stuck to the game plan Saturday, splitting a conference doubleheader against host Long Beach State. After defeating the No. 13-ranked 49ers, 2-0, in the first game, Northridge lost the second, 3-1.

“Now we have to sweep Fullerton [today] at home,” Sherman said.

Today is the first of three must-win conference doubleheaders at home for Northridge, which is in danger of missing the postseason for the first time since 1991.

Entering Saturday’s doubleheader, Northridge trailed first-place Cal Poly San Luis Obispo by 3 1/2 games, with four teams wedged between.

The Matadors (20-14-2, 7-7 in conference play), who dropped out of the national top 25 two weeks ago for the first time since 1992, have a tough road ahead. After conference doubleheaders at home against Fullerton, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, the Matadors are on the road for five conference doubleheaders.

“The only way we’re gonna get to regionals is through the conference,” Sherman said. Only the Big West champion is assured a playoff berth.

Northridge looked formidable in the first game. Six players collected seven hits and sophomore right-hander Tara Glaister handled the 49ers without incident.

Glaister (12-8), who has won six of her last seven decisions, scattered five hits, struck out nine and walked three to record her second shutout.

The Matadors did the damage in the sixth. Jennifer Parker’s two-out single started the rally. Freshman Elizabeth Sanches followed with a double to right-center field on an 0-and-2 pitch, allowing Parker to score from first. On the next pitch, Tracy Gallian ripped a ground ball down the third-base line and Sanches scored for a 2-0 lead.

In the second game, Northridge scored in the first inning when Parker’s double into the right-center-field gap scored Chelo Lopez from first.

But after Parker’s double, 16 consecutive Matadors went without a hit before Lopez singled in the sixth.

Meanwhile, Long Beach State benefited from giveaways.

The 49ers tied the score, 1-1, in the first without a hit. Cheri Shinn (8-6) issued three consecutive walks after retiring the first batter on an infield liner. Amanda Adams hit a chopper to the hole, allowing Amanda Favorite to score.

The 49ers (28-13-1, 10-6) scored the go-ahead run in the third. Leadoff batter Christy Tucker struck out but reached on a wild pitch, which hit the front of the plate and bounced over the catcher’s head. With two out, Tucker scored on a single by Adams.