Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Santa Clara
Softball Wins Nightcap
3/1/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 1, 2003
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State softball team utilized its third 10-hit performance on the year and picked up a non-conference doubleheader split after posting a 5-1 victory over Santa Clara in the night cap.
The Bulldogs, who improved to 3-8 on the year, got a solid pitching performance from freshman right-hander Laura Ferreira. Picking up her first collegiate win after getting a no-decision in her first start three weeks ago, Ferreira scattered five hits, walked two and struck out three in her home debut.
Santa Clara jumped out a 1-0 lead in the second inning after picking up a two-out RBI single by centerfielder Coresta Salas.
Fresno State had the equalizer in the bottom of the frame. Sophomore first baseman Jamie Southern led the inning off with a hard shot up the third base side. Junior centerfielder Mitzi Ing then sacrificed Southern to second before senior catcher Pam West singled up the middle. However, Bronco shortstop Shannon Linerud stopped the ball at second and tried for the play at first but her throw sailed away from first baseman Tracie Hall and Southern scored.
Tied 1-1 through the first five and one half innings, the Bulldogs tallied four runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 5-1 lead and eventual win.
Freshman shorstop Christina Clark led the inning off with a single up the middle. Junior right fielder Lori Hoffman reached safely on an error by Linerud. With freshman Daisy Gaynor coming in to pinch run for Hoffman, Southern flied out to center field. Ing then beat out an infield single up the third base line to load the bases. Junior catcher Pam West reached on a fielder's choice but Clark was forced out at home. With two outs and the bases loaded, the Bulldogs strung together four consecutive hits and knocked in four runners.
Junior designate player Shasta Lewis knocked in the game-winning run when she punched a 1-0 pitch through the left side to score Gaynor. Sophomore second baseman Leticia Pacheco beat out an infield hit to the right side to score Ing. Freshman designated player Nicole Shan beat out an infield hit to the third base side to score West. Freshman third baseman Angelina Diaz then singled through the left side to knock in Lewis.
Fresno State scored five runs on 10 hits while Santa Clara had one run on five hits. The Bulldogs notched their third 10-hit game on the year while improving to 1-1 at Bulldog Diamond.
The Bulldogs resume their 10-game homestand next Wed., March 5, when they host BYU in a single game at 6:00 p.m. Fresno State then hosts its own Hedrick's Hallowell Chevrolet Classic the following four days, March 6-9.
NOTE: The Fresno State softball team will make its second public appearance of the season tomorrow afternoon at Hedrick's Hallowell. The Bulldogs are scheduled to appear at the local car dealership from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Posters and schedule cards will be available to the public free of charge.
