Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Louisiana Tech
Petersen and Moses Homer as `Dogs Shutout La. Tech
4/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 10, 2009
RUSTON, LA. - No. 25 Fresno State made a statement in game one of the three-game Western Athletic Conference series at Louisiana Tech Friday night in Ruston, La. They "Dogs got seven runs on 11 hits in a 7-0 shutout over the Lady Techsters as Fresno State improves to 25-16 and 7-3 in the WAC.
Haley Perkins led the offensive attack with three hits and three runs. Haley Gilleland and Michelle Moses also had two hits a piece.
Morgan Melloh improved to 19-12 in the circle and had 12 strikeouts. She now has 320 on the season and 774 in her career. Melloh's strikeout vs. Amberly Waits in the sixth was her ninth of the game to tie Robin Mackin on the Bulldog career strikeout list with 771. She struck out the next batter to pass Mackin and now ranks third all-time in school history and fourth all-time in WAC history. It was the 10th shutout of the season for Melloh.
Fresno State began the offensive attack with Perkins and Gilleland getting back-to-back hits in the top of the third. A single to center by Caitlin Stiglich drove in Perkins for a 1-0 lead.
Perkins got the scoring rally going again in the fifth as she doubled to leadoff the inning. A sacrifice bunt by Gilleland moved Perkins to third and she scored on a double by Alexis Lujan.
Michelle Moses then capped off a three-run fifth with a two-run home run to left field. It was her sixth home run of the season, a team-high.
The `Dogs got three more in the sixth, beginning with a solo home run by Ryane Petersen to leadoff the inning. Her shot to left field was the first of her career.
After back-to-back singles by Brooke Phipps and Perkins, a Gilleland double drove in the two for the final runs of the game.
"It was so important for us to get this win," Perkins said. "It was just one game and we still have two more tomorrow, but La. Tech is a dangerous team if you let them hang around and we took care of business by scoring in several innings."
Lujan earned her first start in the field on the year.
Krissi Oliver picked up the loss for La. Tech, going 5.1 innings and allowing six runs on nine hits.
Fresno State and La. Tech conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. PST. Live stats can be found through gametracker at www.gobulldogs.com. Louisiana Tech is 20-17 and now 4-5 in the WAC.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs return for the last WAC home series as they host Nevada April 17-18. The `Dogs and Wolf Pack play Friday night at 6 pm and close out the series with a doubleheader Saturday afternoon starting at 1 pm. Friday is Softball History Night and former softball student-athletes will be on hand to sign autographs. Every fan will also receive FREE ice cream. Saturday is Senior Day as the softball seniors are honored for their dedication to Fresno State softball. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
