Fresno State Athletics
Timely Hitting Pushes `Dogs Past Spartans
3/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By: Kimberly Fisher
kimfisher@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif.- A late game rally led the Fresno State softball team to a 3-2 extra-inning victory over San Jose State (24-12) on Saturday night at Margie Wright Diamond.
"I thought Hannah [Harris] did a great job today," Head coach Trisha Ford said. "She came out and kept us in the ball game, pitched through some tight situations, held their offensive to two runs, and made some big pitches when she needed to. Our bats were pretty silent for about five to six innings but it was nice to see us break through and get some hits when we needed to, it's the nature of the game. We showed grit tonight, had some tenacity and tomorrow we get to come out and try to win the series."
In repeat of Friday night's game, San Jose State put one run on the board in the top of the first inning and struck again in the second to leave the Bulldogs trailing 2-0 after two complete innings.
Junior Hannah Harris (7-2) made her seventh start of the season and first showing during Mountain West play in the circle for the Bulldogs on Saturday night. Harris went the distance of eight innings and held the Spartans to a pair of early runs, helping Fresno State to its fourth conference win.
The `Dogs were left hitless through five innings with the first hit coming in the bottom of the sixth from Fresno State's leadoff batter Brenna Moss.
A seventh inning rally put Fresno State on the board with a leadoff single from Kierra Willis who was scored from first base on a double down the left field line by Bulldog catcher Paige Gumz. With only one out, the `Dogs had the game tying run at third base and scored on a sacrifice fly from Bria Kennedy to send the game into extra innings.
In the eighth inning, Harris tossed three consecutive infield groundballs to bring the `Dogs to the plate. After drawing a walk and advancing to third, Whitney Smith scored on a two-out ball up the middle from Willis to give Fresno State the win.
Previous Action
Bulldog softball's home opening conference game against San Jose State resulted in a 1-0 loss on Friday night at Margie Wright Diamond.
Looking Ahead
Following tonight's action, Fresno State will cap the weekend with the final game against the San Jose State starting at noon. The Bulldogs and Spartans hold an even 4-1 Mountain West record heading into Sunday's action.
"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.
