Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Pacific
Melloh Strikes Out 15 in One-Hitter
3/31/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 31, 2009
STOCKTON, Calif. - Sophomore Morgan Melloh was impressive once again as she had a new season-high 15 strikeouts and threw her fourth one-hitter on the year as the No. 22 Bulldogs defeated Pacific 3-0 in a non-conference game Tuesday at Bill Simoni Field in Stockton, Calif. The `Dogs have won three-straight and eight out of nine and have now won 76 games all-time vs. Pacific in 98 meetings.
Melloh took a no hitter to the bottom of the seventh and allowed just one hit, a single with two outs in the inning to Karie Wilson.
"I felt confident," Melloh said. "I was doing my job and trying to get easy outs and let my defense do the work. It's a huge win and a confidence booster. It helps us prepare for this weekend."
Now with 243 on the season and 697 in her career, Melloh needs just three strikeouts to become the fourth Bulldog to ever record 700 or more career strikeouts. She also passed former Bulldog great Wende Ward for fourth on the career list.
The Bulldogs' first run came in the second inning. Nicole Angene walked and she eventually scored on an error by Pacific's starting pitcher Gabby McDaniel.
Haley Gilleland was hit by a pitch in each of her first two at bats and both times she stole a base. She is now nine-for-10 in stolen bases on the season and has 32 in her career, tying her for fifth all-time in Fresno State history with Martha Noffsinger.
The `Dogs got two hits against Pacific, the first off of McDaniel on a single to left field by Lisamarie Coronado in the fifth driving in Kaylan Pollard from second after she pinch ran for Caitlin Stiglich. The `Dogs had a 2-0 lead after five.
In the top of the sixth, Pacific brought in Chelsea Engle in the circle. She would allow another run and the second hit in the sixth. Haley Gilleland reached on error and scored on a single to left center by Michelle Moses for the 3-0 score.
The `Dogs host Hawai'i in a three-game Western Athletic Conference series Friday and Saturday. Friday is Cancer Awareness/Blood Drive night. For more information log on to www.gobulldogs.com.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs' continue WAC play against Hawai'i. The `Dogs and Rainbow Wahine play Friday night at 6 pm and close out the series with a doubleheader Saturday afternoon starting at 1 pm. Friday night is Cancer Awareness Night and Saturday is Youth Softball Day. All youth softball teams are invited to take the field for the National Anthem. Special ticket packages for all youth softball teams can be purchased by calling the group sales coordinator at 244-5621. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
