Fresno State edged by Stanford in extra innings

Tuesday, February 18

Stanford, CA

5:30 PM PT

Fresno State

8-3

Stanford

11-2

Fresno State

Stanford

Fresno State edged by Stanford in extra innings

2/18/2020 11:21:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Taylor Martinez / Communications Assistant

STANFORD, Calif. -- The Fresno State softball team fell 7-3 in nine innings to Stanford on Tuesday night in Boyd & Jill Smith Family Stadium.

Fresno State (8-3) outhit Stanford (11-3), 9-7, and led 3-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, but the Cardinal would capitalize on four drawn walks in the sixth that plated two runs, and finish the game with a walk-off grand slam in the ninth from freshman Sydney Steele.

The 'Dogs drew six walks in addition to their nine hits. Sophomore McKenzie Wilson was 3-of-5 at the plate with one RBI, one run, and one stolen base. A trio of Fresno State pitchers combined for eight strikeouts, but allowed six walks. Sophomore Danielle Lung started in the circle for the Bulldogs pitching five innings, and allowed just two hits and struck out six.

"This is a tough loss," said head coach Linda Garza. "We were in positions to win and we didn't execute down the stretch. These are games we need to learn from and make sure to better execute top to bottom."

How it Happened
The Cardinal got on the scoreboard early, drawing a leadoff walk and rallied with a two-out single to drive a run in.

Both teams were held without a hit in the second inning, and both put balls into play the next inning. Kaitlyn Jennings hit a two-out single through the right side, but Wilson was thrown out at home to keep the 'Dogs scoreless. Stanford responded with a single of its own, but a foul ball caught by Jennings and a ground out executed by Schuylar Broussard would get Fresno State out of the inning.

Fresno State got its momentum going in the top of the fifth after Alexandra Preston drew a one-out walk. Back-to-back doubles from Haley Fuller and Wilson would score the lead runner and tie the game 1-1. With runners in scoring position, Broussard smacked a two-out 2-RBI single to left-center scoring two more runs to put the 'Dogs in front.

The Bulldogs' defense held the Cardinal scoreless in the fifth but the Cardinal would have a response in the bottom of the sixth. Lung exited the game in favor of Dariana Orme after allowing one run, two hits and dishing six strikeouts. After the first batter grounded out, back-to-back walks and a single loaded the bases. Lung was brought back into the circle to get the 'Dogs out of the inning, but another pair of walks would bring in two runs for the Cardinal, and Hailey Dolcini would replace her in the circle. Fuller made a dynamic double play at third base to end the inning, catching a line drive and then leapt back on the base to get the baserunner out before tagging up.

Wilson started the seventh inning with a leadoff single to third base and stole second on the next pitch to put herself in scoring position. The next three batters were retired, stranding Wilson, and Stanford would get its first chance at a walk-off win. Stanford hit a leadoff single but a strikeout and a thrown out runner at third would log the first two outs. The Cardinal responded with a two-out double, but a ground out on the next play sent the game to extra innings.

Fuller recorded her second hit of the day with a one-out double in the top of the ninth. Wilson followed with a single, and Fuller went for the go-ahead run but was thrown out at home. Fresno State loaded the bases with back-to-back walks, but Vanessa Hernandez grounded out to bring the Cardinal back up to bat.

Stanford hit a leadoff single, and Dolcini battled for a strikeout to follow. The Cardinal got two runners on base with another single and a hit by pitch would load the bases. Steele homered to end the game with a walk-off grand slam.

What's next -- Fresno State returns home to host the Fresno State Invitational Feb. 20-23 at Margie Wright Diamond.

"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.

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