Castellon’s walk-off double gives Bulldogs a 3-2 edge in home opener

Thursday, February 23

Fresno, Calif.

7 p.m. PT

Fresno State

7-4

Cal Poly

6-4

Cal Poly

Fresno State

Photo by: Keith Kountz

Castellon’s walk-off double gives Bulldogs a 3-2 edge in home opener

2/23/2017 11:32:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery (Keith Kountz)Cal Poly - Fresno State box score (PDF)Cal Poly - Fresno State plays (PDF)2017 Season Stats (PDF)

A pitcher’s duel between Bulldog Kamalani Dung and Cal Poly’s Sierra Hyland sent the game into extra innings

By: Jason Kelm / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. – A crowd of over 1,000 was on-hand to witness a classic pitcher's duel on Thursday night at Margie Wright Diamond as the Bulldog softball team edged Cal Poly, 3-2, in eight innings in Fresno State's home opener.

Bulldog sophomore Kamalani Dung pitched all eight innings to earn her sixth victory of the year and junior Katie Castellon hit a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth to improve the Bulldogs' record to 7-4.

This was the second game this season that the 'Dogs won because of a walk-off double in extra innings after sophomore Vanessa Hernandez did so against Cal State Fullerton last Saturday.

Mustang ace Sierra Hyland pitched a complete game as well, striking out 11 and allowing only three hits.

"It's a true testament of who we are, staying in it all the way," Fresno State head coach Linda Garza said. "We were facing a very tough pitcher, but we found moments and we found times to just do what we needed to do and execute in key moments – finding a way to score two runs and put us in a position to win that game."

How it happened
The Mustangs got on the board as soon as the game began, loading the bases and scoring on a fielder's choice. The Bulldogs answered in the bottom of the second as senior Kierra Willis tripled and was sent home on a single by Hernandez to tie the game 1-1.

A back-and-forth ensued between Dung and Hyland over the next five innings, with the Mustangs leaving nine on base, the Bulldogs two.

Following the seventh, international tie-breaking rules came into effect and Cal Poly was able to place a runner on second and would eventually take a 2-1 lead on a wild pitch by Dung.

The bottom of the order was due up for Fresno State and Willis was placed on second. Hernandez laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Willis to third, which brought up pinch-hitter Chase LeeHong, who popped out in the infield. Freshman Schuylar Broussard then came up and was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the corners.

The 'Dogs sent in two pinch-runners and junior Brooke Coates, who took over for Broussard on first, advanced to second without a throw. Castellon then came up to the plate, saw the pitch she was looking for and sent it to deep left-center, scoring both runs and giving the Bulldogs the victory.

Over the eight innings, Dung allowed seven hits and four walks, along with an earned run. Though Hyland allowed only three hits in the game, each one contributed to a Bulldog score.

What's next?
Fresno State faces No. 12 Minnesota on Friday at 5:30 p.m. PT at Margie Wright Diamond as the Bulldog Classic continues. For a full tournament schedule and a link to purchase tickets online, visit GoBulldogs.com.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.