Dung, McHellon lead Bulldogs past Hornets, 5-2

Sunday, March 12

Fresno, Calif.

11:30 a.m. PT

Fresno State

17-9

Sacramento State

6-12-1

Sacramento State

Fresno State

Photo by: Kiel Maddox

Dung, McHellon lead Bulldogs past Hornets, 5-2

3/12/2017 2:48:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Sacramento State - Fresno State box score (PDF)Sacramento State - Fresno State plays (PDF)2017 Season Stats (PDF)

Kamalani Dung earned her 11th win of the season, while Savannah McHellon notched the save and three RBIs

By: Jason Kelm / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team capped off the Fresno State Invitational with a 5-2 win over Sacramento State on Sunday afternoon at Margie Wright Diamond. The Bulldogs finished tournament play with a 17-9 record, including 8-3 at home.

Sophomore Kamalani Dung (11-5, 2.11 ERA) began the game in the circle for the Bulldogs for the 14th time this season, while the Hornets (6-12-1) handed the ball to freshman left-hander Danielle Sperry (1-3, 2.74 ERA).

Fresno State junior Savannah McHellon earned her first save of the year after relieving Dung in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and two outs. McHellon began the game at first base and went 2-for-2 with three RBIs and a walk.

The Bulldogs begin Mountain West play next weekend as they travel to San Diego State.

Bulldog Bites
- Fresno State is now 10-1 when opponents score two or fewer runs.
- Fresno State is now 9-0 when scoring in the first inning.
- Fresno State is now 10-1 when scoring first. The Bulldogs are 7-8 when their opponent scores first.
- Fresno State is now 10-5 when committing zero errors.
- McHellon went 2-0 with a save and a 0.91 ERA this weekend, allowing two runs, eight hits and three walks in 15.1 innings pitched.
- McHellon has notched multiple hits and multiple RBIs in five games this season. Sunday was her third game of the year with three RBIs.
- Fresno State senior Kierra Willis and sophomore Morgan Howe reached base safely in all five games this weekend.
- Fresno State sophomore Vanessa Hernandez leads the Bulldogs with 21 RBIs and 18 runs scored.
- Fresno State finished the weekend with a 4-1 record, including two wins over Oregon State and a victory over No. 25 BYU.

How it happened
The Bulldogs struck early, as senior Malia Rivers singled through the right side, Howe was hit by a pitch, and the pair were sent home on an RBI-double by McHellon, giving the 'Dogs an early 2-0 in the first inning.

However, Sacramento State answered immediately as freshman Morgan Spieth hit a solo shot over the left field fence to pull within one.

In the fourth, McHellon led off the inning by taking a free pass, senior Christina Rodriguez then came in to pinch run, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Willis, and scored on an RBI-single by Hernandez to increase the Bulldogs' lead to 3-1.

The Hornets answered again with a solo home run, this time by freshman Suzy Brookshire, her fifth shot of the season.

The Bulldogs then added two more insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth. Howe hit a two-out single through the left side and was pinch run for by freshman Kindra Hackbarth, who then scored on an RBI-double by senior Lindsey Willmon. Willmon then crossed the plate when McHellon singled down the left field line, giving the Bulldogs a 5-2 lead.

In the top of the sixth, Sacramento State loaded the bases with two singles and a walk. McHellon then entered the circle and got the 'Dogs out of the inning unharmed. She stayed in the game to pitch the ninth and earn her first save of the year.

"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.