Bulldogs top Fordham, Cal

Saturday, February 15

Fresno, CA

5:00 PM PT

Fresno State

6-2

Fordham

1-8

Fordham

Fresno State

Bulldogs top Fordham, Cal

2/16/2020 12:48:00 AM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

By: Taylor Martinez / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. -- The Fresno State softball team remains perfect in the Fresno State Kickoff Classic, claiming wins over Fordham and Cal on Saturday night at Margie Wright Diamond.

Fresno State (7-2) built on their offensive dominance from Friday night, outscoring their opponents 19-4 with a 10-1 five-inning run-rule win in their first game and a 9-3 victory over Cal.

"I'm excited to see that everyone has a share in our offensive success," said head coach Linda Garza. "Some days it's going to be McKenzie Wilson making plays for us on both the offensive and defensive sides. Today, Hailey Fuller had some clutch hits to help us out. Our bench was also able to come in and make some plays for us. Our pitching staff found a way to get it done, Danielle Lung and Dariana Orme made the adjustments that they needed to make."

Senior Haley Fuller went 2-for-2 with a home run, a single and four RBIs as the Bulldogs' offensive leader against Fordham. Senior Miranda Rohleder went 2-for-3 with a home run, a single and two RBIs to propel the 'Dogs versus Cal. As a team, Fresno State tied its season-high of 11 hits against Cal.

Redshirt freshman Dariana Orme logged the start against the Rams and pitched four innings for the 'Dogs. She recorded two strikeouts, didn't allow a run, and allowed just two hits. Orme also finished the last two innings against the Golden Bears, she dished four strikeouts and didn't give up a hit in two innings of work to close the game.

How it Happened

vs. Fordham -- The first three hitters on both sides were retired to start the game.

The Bulldogs rallied in the second inning, scoring five runs, all with two outs against them. The surge started when Alesia Denby hit a two-out single to right field, bringing Kelsey Hall home for the first run of the game. That was the spark the Bulldogs needed, as Fuller and Wilson followed with back-to-back RBI singles. Kaitlyn Jennings finished the rally with a huge 2-RBI double, making it a 5-0 game after two innings.

Fresno State kept the momentum going on the defensive end, sending the next three Fordham batters down in order in the top half of the third.

The Bulldogs stepped back to the plate in the home half of the third for another high-scoring inning as they plated five runs on three hits to take a 10-0 lead over Fordham. Of the three hits, the biggest was when Fuller smashed a three-run homer over the center field fence, which also resulted in the Rams removing their starting pitcher from the game.

In the top of the fourth, with one out, Fordham chalked its first hit of the game with a single through the right side but on the very next play lined in to a double play. Denby made the clutch play, snaring the ball out from the air and tagging first base to end the inning.

The Bulldogs tacked on another two hits in the bottom of the fourth, but would be unable to get a run across.

Fordham opened the fifth inning with a leadoff single and a run would be walked in, but the Rams comeback attempt would be short-lived. The Bulldogs defense went back to work and Jennings caught the final out in center field to end the game.

vs. Cal -- After holding Cal scoreless in the top of the first, Schuylar Broussard hit a two-out single to get Fresno State's offense going in the bottom half. Galvan followed with another two-out single, and after a fielding error Galvan took second base to put both runners in scoring position. Rohleder came up big for the Bulldogs with an RBI single down through the right side to send Broussard home. Fresno State finished the first inning with a 1-0 lead.

Lung retired Cal in order in the second, paving the way for the Bulldogs' offense to continue firing. Denby hit a leadoff triple to ignite the Bulldogs' offense toward a five-run inning. Fuller reached base on a throwing error and Wilson drew a walk to load the bases with no outs. Jennings drew a walk to force the first run of the inning across the plate. Broussard hit her third triple of the weekend to clear the bases for three more runs to put the 'Dogs in control, 5-0. With a runner on third, Galvan hit an RBI single up the middle to increase the lead to 6-1. Cal would make a pitching change after five runs scored without an out recorded - which resulted in getting out of the inning.

Fresno State would hold Cal scoreless over the first three innings, allowing only one hit in the third. The Bulldogs tacked on another run in the bottom of the third after Jennings executed a sacrifice fly to send the runner at third home to push the Bulldogs' lead to 7-0.

The Golden Bears weren't going to go down without a fight, they opened the fourth inning with three consecutive hits to drive in two runs. The Bulldogs stalled their momentum, dishing three consecutive outs to end the inning.

Cal held Fresno State scoreless in the bottom of the fourth to get back up to the plate. The Golden Bears would chalk their third and final run of the game off a sacrifice fly in the top of the fifth.

Fresno State would score a single run in both the fifth and sixth innings to defeat Cal 9-3, and remain perfect in the Fresno State Kickoff Classic.

What's next -- Fresno State will face St. Mary's on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. PT.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.