Dolcini throws shutout as ‘Dogs blank CSUN 2-0

Wednesday, March 20

Fresno, Calif.

5:30 P.M. PT

Fresno State

15-9

CSUN

13-16

CSUN

Fresno State

Dolcini throws shutout as ‘Dogs blank CSUN 2-0

3/20/2019 8:46:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Andrew Tomsky / Assistant Director of Communications

FRESNO, Calif. – Sophomore Hailey Dolcini allowed just four hits and struck out six batters in her third shutout of the season and Fresno State pushed across single runs in the fifth and sixth innings to top CSUN, 2-0, in a pitcher's duel on Wednesday at Margie Wright Diamond.

Fresno State (15-9) improved to 7-0 at home this season and has allowed just 10 total runs in seven home games. Jillian James matched Dolcini's dominance in the circle for CSUN (13-16) over four scoreless innings before the 'Dogs scored a run on a CSUN throwing error in the fifth inning and added an insurance run in the sixth.

The 'Dogs outhit the Matadors, 5-4, and Dolcini and the Fresno State defense permitted just seven base runners in seven innings. Kelcey Carrasco and Kaitlyn Jennings both had doubles that led to the two Bulldog runs while Megan Stevens was 2-for-3 with a pair of singles to record half of the CSUN hits.

How it Happened
Both teams created some scoring chances through the first four innings but both sides turned a double play and the 'Dogs left two runners aboard in both the third and fourth innings. CSUN got its leadoff hitter aboard in the third and she would have scored with two out if not for a great running catch in left field from McKenzie Wilson.

In the bottom of the fifth, Carrasco led off with a double to right center (watch) and pinch runner Aaliyah Cuevas moved to third on a wild pitch. Wilson drew a walk and stole second, and a throw by the CSUN catcher checking on Cuevas at third sailed into left field allowing her to score the first run of the game (watch).

The 'Dogs added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth with a two-out rally. Jennings dropped in a hit down the left field line and hustled into second for a double (watch) before moving to third on a wild pitch. Jade Nua then reached on an infield single to bring in Jennings from third (watch).

In the seventh, CSUN got a one-out double from Alyssa Vazquez and Kenedee Jamerson drew a walk to give the visitors the potential tying runs on base. Dolcini fought back with a seven-pitch strikeout for the second out and got Jaymi Steward to fly out to Jennings in left to complete the shutout.

Notable

Fresno State has won eight of Dolcini's nine starts this season and she is 7-1 with a 1.14 ERA as a starter, allowing just eight earned runs with 50 strikeouts over 49.1 innings in her nine starts.
Since entering the starting lineup Nua is on a nine-game hitting streak, the longest by a Bulldog this season, and she has reached base in 11 consecutive games.
Wilson reached base in all three of her plate appearances on Wednesday with a hit, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch and stole her 14^th base of the season.
Fresno State improved to 13-0 this season when scoring first.
The Bulldogs are now 15-6 in non-conference games this year and have won nine straight non-conference games.
Fresno State finishes the year with a 6-1 record against Big West teams, beating five different Big West squads.

Up Next
Fresno State plays it first MW home series of the season Friday through Sunday hosting San Jose State. The Spartans are 20-9 this year and have won 10 consecutive games.

"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.

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