Dung’s 10 K’s not enough as Bulldogs’ winning streak snapped, Rams take game one 5-3

Thursday, May 11

Fort Collins, Colo.

3 p.m. PT

Fresno State

32-21, 12-9

Colorado State

28-20, 9-13

Fresno State

Colorado State

Photo by: Keith Kountz

Dung’s 10 K’s not enough as Bulldogs’ winning streak snapped, Rams take game one 5-3

5/11/2017 5:46:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Fresno State - Colorado State box score (PDF)Fresno State - Colorado State plays (PDF)2017 Season Stats (PDF)2017 MW-only Stats (PDF)

Sophomore pitcher Kamalani Dung tied her season-high with 10 strikeouts; the Bulldogs return to action on Friday at 3 p.m. PT in Fort Collins

By: Jason Kelm / Communications Assistant

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Fresno State sophomore Kamalani Dung tied her season-high with 10 strikeouts, but it wasn't enough as the Bulldogs' six-game winning streak was snapped on Thursday afternoon as Colorado State defeated the 'Dogs 5-3 at Ram Field in Fort Collins, Colo.

Fresno State (32-21, 12-9 MW) recorded three runs on six hits, including three doubles, and didn't notch a strikeout for the second time this season, but Colorado State (28-20, 9-13 MW) made the most of its four hits and three walks, including a two-run home run in the third inning, to overcome the Bulldogs.

Dung (23-13, 2.18 ERA) threw her 27th complete game for the 'Dogs, while the Rams' Bridgette Hutton earned her 10th victory of the season in the circle. Seven different Fresno State batters recorded a hit, with the Bulldogs' runs coming on a two-run pinch-hit double by sophomore Dominique Jackson and an RBI double by senior Lindsey Willmon. Jackson's double was her first of the season.

Fresno State falls to 6-7 in true road games, 15-2 when scoring in the first inning and 20-6 when the Bulldogs out-hit their opponent. The 'Dogs are also 6-16 when scoring three runs or fewer. With the loss, Fresno State has been mathematically eliminated from Mountain West title contention after dropping just its second MW series-opener of the season, the other coming against Utah State.

How it happened
The Bulldogs got a run on the board immediately as freshman Miranda Rohleder took a one-out walk, advanced to second on an infield groundout, and scored on an RBI double by Willmon. Dung then recorded three strikeouts, but also allowed two walks, an RBI double and a two-run single in the bottom of the frame to put the Rams up 3-1 after the first inning.

Junior Savannah McHellon led off the second with a single up the middle and Willis took a free pass, but sophomore Vanessa Hernandez hit into a fielder's choice and freshman Haley Fuller was thrown out after hitting into a fielder's choice and rounding first base. Dung then notched her fourth strikeout of the game and sent the Rams down in order. In the third, Rivers took a one-out walk, Rohleder hit into a fielder's choice and sophomore Morgan Howe singled to right, but the Bulldogs couldn't bring a runner home. Dung struck out her fifth and sixth batters, but allowed a two-run home run in the bottom half as the Rams increased their lead to 5-1.

In the top of the fourth, senior Kierra Willis was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on a double by Hernandez. Jackson then drove in both runners with a double to left center to close Colorado State's lead to 5-3. Senior Christina Rodriguez went into the game to pinch run for Jackson, advanced to third on an infield single by senior Malia Rivers and the bases became loaded when Rohleder took a two-out walk. Howe then came up to the plate, but grounded out to the pitcher.

Dung came up in the bottom of the frame and immediately struck out her seventh batter of the contest and didn't allow the Rams to add to their lead. McHellon then took a one-out walk, but Fresno State wasn't able to advance her. Dung rung up her eighth batter in the fifth and a Ram reached on an error, but CSU couldn't score. Hernandez led off the sixth with a walk and junior Katie Castellon hit into a fielder's choice, but the Bulldogs didn't advance her. Dung then came up to record two more strikeouts, tying her season-high with 10.

The Bulldogs came up to the plate in the top of the seventh hoping to rally, but were unable to get a runner on base.

What's next?
Fresno State next faces Colorado State on Friday at 3 p.m. PT and Saturday at 11 a.m.

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