Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Louisville
No. 21 Fresno State Beats Louisville 3-0, Wins Series
2/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 17, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - Senior catcher Nichole Willis singled to center with one out in the sixth, driving home junior outfielder Michelle Palazuelos for the go-ahead run in No. 21 Fresno State's 3-0 defeat of Louisville, Saturday afternoon at Bulldog Diamond. The `Dogs rebounded from a tough 6-4 loss in the first game of the doubleheader and improved to 6-3 on the season.
In the deciding sixth inning, junior infielder Aja Scheuber pinch hit for Palazuelos and drew a walk. Palazuelos re-entered the ball game to run for Scheuber and promptly advanced to second when sophomore infielder Haley Perkins grounded out to second. Junior infielder Jenna Cervantez walked just before Willis' clutch hit. One batter later, junior infielder Kristin Sylvester cleared the bases with a double to right center.
Fresno State took two out of three from Louisville, beating the Cardinals as well on Friday evening 3-0.
Sophomore pitcher Robin Mackin (5-2) picked up the win, shutting out the Cardinals on four hits and three walks while striking out seven.
Louisville's Kassie Stanfill took the loss, allowing all three Fresno State runs on three hits and three walks while striking out two.
Game 1: Louisville 6, No. 21 Fresno State 4
The Bulldogs rallied for two runs in the sixth inning but it was not enough as Louisville beat Fresno State 6-4 in the first game.
Fresno State trailed 4-0 early in the ball game before scoring a run in the second and third innings, respectively.
Fresno State made things interesting in the sixth when Cervantez led off the inning with a walk. Freshman outfielder Lisamarie Coronado doubled to left center, scoring Cervantez from first. As Louisville attempted to throw out Coronado attempting to advance to third, the ball sailed into left field allowing Coronado to score.
Mackin took the loss in the first game, while Louisville's Catherine Bishop earned the win in relief of starter Kristen Wadwell.
Sophomore pitcher Merryann Barr relieved Mackin in the second, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five in six innings of work. Barr also was 2-for-3 in the game, scoring a run and driving in another.
Fresno State now turns its focus to the Palm Springs Classic Feb. 23-25.
