SAN DIEGO — San Diego softball (7-9, 0-0 WCC) on Thursday evening dropped a tough 5-0 decision to cross-town rivals San Diego State (11-5, 0-0 MW), as the Toreros couldn't respond to an early deficit to the Aztecs in the opening game of the Reggie Smith Invitational at the Reggie Smith Softball Complex. 

SDSU jumped ahead early in the first inning as the middle of the order hit back-to-back-to-back solo home runs to give the Aztecs a 3-0 lead.

USD second baseman Mallory Axline showed bunt to start the bottom half of the second inning, before hitting a single past her second base counterpart. Shortstop Hailey Mulligan followed in pursuit as she roped a double to center field to make it back-to-back hits to lead off the inning. With two runners in scoring position and no outs, the Toreros couldn't cash in as a trio of groundouts ended the rally.

Senior pitcher Charlie Johnson came out of the bullpen in relief and kept San Diego in the game, finishing the game in the circle for USD. She threw 5.1 scoreless innings before running into trouble in the seventh where she surrendered two runs (one earned). She ended her night with four total strikeouts on 6.1 innings pitched, tying her season high and division I career high in strikeouts. 

Despite getting the leadoff batter on base in four of the seven innings, the Toreros were shut out on the night.

San Diego returns to action later this weekend on Saturday to continue play in the Reggie Smith Invitational by hosting Cal Poly and Kansas City for a double header. First pitch at the Reggie Smith Softball Complex is set for 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.