Willis, Willmon power ’Dogs past Hoosiers 4-3

Friday, March 3

Fullerton, Calif.

8 p.m. PT

Fresno State

13-6

Indiana

6-10

Indiana

Fresno State

Photo by: Keith Kountz

Willis, Willmon power ’Dogs past Hoosiers 4-3

3/4/2017 12:11:00 AM | Softball

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Sophomore pitcher Kamalani Dung earned her ninth victory, while senior Kierra Willis hit her first home run of the season

By: Jason Kelm / Communications Assistant

FULLERTON, Calif. – A two-run blast in the bottom of the sixth by senior Kierra Willis put the Bulldogs ahead of Indiana for good on Friday night and secured a 4-3 win on the second day of the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, Calif.

"Tonight our offense found ways to make things happen and get our team back into the game," Fresno State head coach Linda Garza said. "Kierra stepped up big tonight with that home run and I'm excited to see her get going offensively."

The Bulldogs (13-6) began the game with junior Savannah McHellon (1-3, 4.75) in the circle, her first start since last Saturday against Idaho State. McHellon recorded a season-high seven strikeouts in 4.0 innings, while allowing three runs on four hits and walking seven.

Sophomore pitcher Kamalani Dung (9-3, 1.40 ERA) entered the game in the fifth to pitch the final three innings and earn her career-high ninth victory. Dung struck out four and allowed one hit and two walks in her 13th appearance this season.

The Bulldogs are now 4-1 against the Big Ten this season, defeating Indiana twice, Purdue and Iowa, while falling to Minnesota.

The Hoosiers (6-10) struck first, loading the bases in the top of the second due to three straight walks and scoring two on a single by Gabbi Jenkins.

Fresno State answered in the bottom of the third when senior Lindsey Willmon powered a 2-run double down the right field line, scoring senior Malia Rivers and sophomore Morgan Howe, who reached on singles.

Indiana came right back in the following inning to take a 3-2 lead when Katie Lacefield hit her own RBI double.

Willis then came up to the plate in the bottom of the sixth after McHellon took a free pass and hit her first home run of the season to give the Bulldogs a final 4-3 lead.

Tara Trainer took the loss for the Hoosiers after allowing all four runs on five hits and four walks in 5.1 innings. Trainer struck out four batters in the campaign.

Fresno State has won its last four games and will meet Northwestern on Saturday morning, a team that is on a four-game winning streak of its own. The Bulldogs and Wildcats meet at 9:30 a.m. PT, followed by a 12:30 p.m. start against No. 8 Washington.

"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.