SAN DIEGO — San Diego out-hit Saint Mary's six to five on Friday evening at the Reggie Smith Softball Complex but couldn't push a run across, falling 2-0 to the Gaels in the opening game of the West Coast Conference series.

The Toreros had chances throughout — none bigger than the third inning, when Kaitlyn Wynia, Mallory Axline, and Taylor Johnson loaded the bases with one out. But Wynia was thrown out at home after trying to steal home on a pitch that missed the catchers glove, before a ground-out was the third out of the inning. 

San Diego put runners on base in six of seven innings and left nine stranded on the night, unable to solve Saint Mary's starter who went the distance with four strikeouts. Axline went 2-for-3 with a walk to pace the offense. Kaitlyn Bartlow started and threw five innings of two-run ball, surrendering just three total hits and walking one, before making way for Charlie Johnson who tossed a pair of scoreless innings to keep the Toreros in the game until the final out.

The Toreros will be back in action tomorrow, continuing their series with game two against Saint Mary's. First pitch at the Reggie Smith softball complex is set for 4 p.m.