SALT LAKE CITY – After falling behind early in the game, California (18-9, 0-2 Pac-12) recovered with a three-run frame in the top of the fifth to make a case for itself, knotting the score at 3-3 with Utah (13-13, 2-0 Pac-12) on Saturday, game 2 of the series.
 
In need of some momentum after yesterday's loss and going scoreless through four frames, Karlee Sparacino (2-for-3) pelted a yard ball through right field to get the Golden Bears on the board and open the market for her teammates.
 
Freshman Alexandra Perez followed with a single and was brought home moments later on the RBI triple from Destiny Blueford (1-for-2) as the Bears batted around.
 
Lindsay Rood, who headed into the competition leading the Pac-12 with a .511 batting average 47 hits, and four triples, was intentionally walked in her previous at-bat, but connected on the sac fly to bring in Blueford for the tying run.
 
Unfortunately, Cal was unable to hold off the Utah offense as Kamalani Dung (8-4) struggled in the circle giving up five hits, five runs and five walks, and the Bears gave up a 7-3 decision and the series.
 
The Utes regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth behind two runs before adding a couple of insurance runs in the sixth to keep things out of reach.
 
The Bears getaway-day game begins at 11 a.m. (PT) and will also be streamed on Pac-12.com.
 
For more information on Cal softball, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @CalSB.