THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Cal Lutheran softball mounted a comeback in the fifth inning, but it wasn't enough as Redlands held on for a 7-4 win on Friday afternoon.

It was the first game of a three-game series. The loss dropped the Regals to 7-16 overall and 0-10 in conference play. 

Casey Edwards started on the mound for the Regals and pitched 3.0 innings. She faced 19 batters, giving up six hits and two earned runs. She recorded two strikeouts, but had three walks. 

The Bulldogs opened the game with a run in the top of the first. The Regals quickly responded with a point of their own at the bottom of the inning. Regan Laubscher singled, scoring Makayla Lopez.

Redlands responded in the third with four runs and added one more in the fourth. The Regals cut into the deficit with three runs in the fifth. Jamie Bingaman was a pinch hitter and recorded a 2-RBI single through the right side. Laubscher recorded her second RBI as the second straight hit made it out to right field.

Paige Henry took over for Edwards and pitched the final four innings. She faced 18 batters, allowing just three hits and two runs, while also striking out two. 

Their late comeback wasn't enough as the Bulldogs scored one more run in the sixth and won the game 7-4.

The teams continue the series on Saturday. Cal Lutheran is at Redlands for a doubleheader with the first game starting at 12 p.m.  

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