Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Louisiana Tech
Softball Charges Ahead in Mercy Victory Over Louisiana Tech
5/9/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 8, 2003
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State softball team was in a race with Mother Nature this evening when the Bulldogs hosted Louisiana Tech in Western Athletic Conference play.
The Bulldogs not only finished ahead of threatening skies above but utilized just over an hour of play to notch a 9-0, five-inning win over the Lady Techsters.
Scoring all of its nine runs in the second and third inning, Fresno State's offense was highlighted by freshman shortstop Christina Clark as she posted her 14th home run and hit her first collegiate grand slam.
Sophomore All-America right-hander Jamie Southern tossed a two-hitter as she walked two and struck out six. Southern recorded her 20th win and 13th shutout of the season.
Louisiana Tech right-hander Marla Pinkston allowed nine runs (four earned) on seven hits as she walked five and struck out two to fall to 11-18 overall.
The Bulldogs scored five runs in the second and tacked on four in the third. In addition to Clark's offensive display, junior right fielder Lori Hoffman had three RBI after going 2-3 with a run while freshman third baseman Angelina Diaz had the other RBI after going 1-2 with a run and a walk.
In the second with one out and runners on first and third, Clark was intentionally walked. Diaz then worked the count full before drawing a walk and collecting a RBI as junior first baseman Shasta Lewis scored. With the bases loaded and two outs, Hoffman laced a bases clearing single to right center. Southern then hit a deep fly to left field and Hoffman, who was running on the play, would score when the La Tech left fielder dropped the fly ball.
In the third with one out, the table was set for Clark as Lewis, junior center fielder Mitzi Ing and freshman left fielder Nicole Shan were on base. Clark rocketed a 1-1 count into the left field bleachers for her 14th home run and first collegiate grand slam.
