Fresno State Athletics
Softball Splits Home Opener
2/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By: Kimberly Fisher
kimfisher@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif.- The Fresno State Kick-Off tournament got underway at 9 a.m. on Friday morning in what was a beautiful day when the Bulldog softball team took the field for their home opener against the Santa Clara Broncos. The Bulldogs tallied a win over Santa Clara (2-0) and, but fell short to UC Riverside (4-2) in their second game, ending Friday's play with an overall record of 5-2.
"It's early in the year and we need to do better and get gritty when things get sticky," head coach Trisha Ford said. "I think Hannah (Harris) has done a really good job this fall and I think Jill just needs to believe in herself, but she'll get there and the more times we're in these situations the better off we're going to be at the end of the season."
Hannah Harris made the start in the circle for Fresno State and pitched her first seven inning game of the season, giving up five hits and no runs against the 25 Santa Clara batters faced she faced.
"My drop ball inside was working well for me so I used that a lot and was getting groundballs and my defense was working for me," Harris said. "Our team is very talented and as long as we stay together and focus on us we're going to be fine. Experience is everything because there's nothing like playing in a game, you can't stimulate that, so I'm very fortunate for the opportunities I got the last two years and I'm taking full advantage of them this year."
Freshman Katie Castellon tallied her first career hit as a Bulldog in her second at bat of the day with a shot over the left field fence to give the `Dogs a 2-0 lead over the Broncos in the fourth inning.
In game two, Fresno State jumped out to a two-run lead in the first three innings over UC Riverside with the `Dogs capitalizing on multiple free base opportunities. Moss scored after being walked and advancing on wild pitches to score one run in the first inning. Kierra Willis scored for the Bulldogs in the third inning when she came home via a walk when the bases were loaded.
Jill Compton threw 6.2 innings for the Bulldogs in game two with six hits and four runs, three in the seventh before Taylor Langdon made her first appearance of the season to close out the top of the seventh inning.
UC Riverside had a strong seventh inning showing highlighted by a leadoff single up the middle followed by a walk and fielding error that placed runners in scoring position and started a four-run rally for the Highlanders. That top-half of the seventh proved to be enough to beat the Bulldogs.
After recording one stolen base on the day, Moss currently stands two shy of tying the all-time career record (86) and three away from being the new record holder for the most stolen bases by a Bulldog in a career.
Prior to the 'Dogs 6 p.m. matchup with UC Riverside, former Bulldog pitcher Wende Ward threw out the ceremonial first pitch in honor of her No. 19 jersey being retired in 1987. Ward's last name and number were placed on a banner that is now proudly hung on the press box at Margie Wright Diamond. On March 22, 1987 she became the second Fresno State female student-athlete to have a jersey number retired, commemorating her success as a Bulldog. Ward was a second-team All-American in 1982 and helped the 'Dogs to a second place finish at the 1982 NCAA Women's College World Series in Omaha, Neb.
Bulldog softball will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 14 for an action packed Valentine's Day at Margie Wright Diamond, taking on both UC Davis at 1:30 p.m. and Santa Clara for the second time at 6 p.m.
In honor of Valentine's Day, Fresno State Athletics wants to spoil you with a 2-for-1 date night filled with fun and excitement cheering on the Bulldogs. Fans are encouraged to redeem Saturday's men's basketball ticket for free admission to the Bulldog's last matchup of the day versus Santa Clara.
For a full tournament schedule and results, click here.
"Be Bold!" - The official home of Fresno State Softball is 790 AM ESPN2 The Deuce. For ticket information contact the Bulldog Ticket Office at 559-278-3647 or log on to www.gobulldogs.com.
