Fresno State Athletics
`Dogs Top Lobos Following Rain Delay
4/7/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By: Kimberly Fisher
kimfisher@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif.- After taking last week's series over San Diego State, the Fresno State softball team hosted New Mexico on Tuesday evening following a two-hour rain delay. In what was a slated double header, the `Dogs faced the Lobos for a single-game matchup claiming the first game of the series with a 7-1 victory at Margie Wright Diamond.
"We have a phenomenal grounds crew and they did a great job today," head coach Trisha Ford said. "We put the tarp on last night, got all the water off and put the tarp back on to let the last little bit come down so we were ready to play, that's one of the advantages of having such a fantastic stadium."
Following a leadoff hit from the Lobos in the top of the first inning, Fresno State generated two runs off of a right-center double from Michelle Solomon, heading into the second inning with a 2-0 lead.
Fresno State forced a total of three Lobo errors with two coming in the first inning while the `Dogs posted an errorless mark through five innings of play against New Mexico.
New Mexico's number six hitter led off the second inning with a solo home run to leave the Lobos trailing the 'Dogs by only one run. A walk and back-to-back singles loaded the bases in the bottom of the third where Fresno State picked up its third run of the game off of a shallow ball to the outfield from Paige Gumz.
Malia Rivers drove in two additional runs for Fresno State in the fourth inning followed by a one-run double from Solomon to give the Bulldogs a 6-1 advantage. Through five innings of play, Solomon was responsible for half of the `Dogs runs on a pair of doubles and a single, going 3-for-4 on the day and helping Fresno State to a 7-1 victory.
"We had good energy when we took batting practice before the game so I knew we were ready to go," Ford added, "but the team was anxious to get going with the game. I hope tomorrow we come out with a little more efficiency on the mound, Jill [Compton] got in some deep counts but was able to work herself out of some jams and Paige did a great job behind the plate. Offensively, it's about having unselfish at-bats, being disciplined and focused and I thought Michelle and Malia did a great job with runners in scoring position."
In the circle, Jill Compton (16-9) had seven Lobos strikeouts in her seven inning showing on Tuesday leaving the righty pitcher with a team-best of 29 starts and 15 complete games this season.
"I had a good pregame today so I was feeling pretty good," Solomon said. "Our goal today was to move the runners anyway that we could and that's what I took to heart. It's falling into place like it should be, our first and second batters did their job and got on base and I did what I was supposed to do."
Looking Ahead
Due to challenging weather conditions on Tuesday, Fresno State will compete against New Mexico in its first conference doubleheader on Wednesday, April 8 starting at 11 a.m.
Wednesday's Promotions
In honor of Bulldog Spirit Day on Wednesday, fans are encouraged to submit coach Ford's signed letter of approval to be dismissed from work in order to attend the `Dogs double header starting at 11 a.m. Click HERE to access coach's letter.
"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.
