Broussard propels Bulldogs to victory over Flames, 6-3

Saturday, February 22

Fresno, CA

5:00 PM PT

Fresno State

12-3

Chicago

4-5

Chicago

Fresno State

Broussard propels Bulldogs to victory over Flames, 6-3

2/22/2020 10:00:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Taylor Martinez / Communications Assistant

FRESNO, Calif. – Senior Schuylar Broussard powered Fresno State past UIC with three multi-base hits and three RBIs in the Bulldogs' 6-3 victory on Saturday night at Margie Wright Diamond.

Fresno State (12-3) remains a perfect 9-0 at home this season. Broussard went 3-of-4 at the plate with two doubles, a triple, three RBIs and two runs scored. Junior pitcher Danielle East recorded her first save of the season, pitching 2.1 innings and did not allow a hit and recorded three strikeouts.

"I'm glad that we are able to complete comebacks like this, but I want to get to the point where we can dominate from inning one to inning seven," said head coach Linda Garza. "Offensively, Schuylar (Broussard) had a great night for us. She gave us some confidence at the plate. She created the hitting train for us tonight. Danielle (East) capitalized on her opportunity to come in relief tonight. She did a great job tonight. We have one more game, and our goal is to go a perfect 5-0 this weekend."

How it happened
The Flames opened the game on the attack with back-to-back singles, but the Bulldogs' starter in the circle, Dariana Orme, retired the next three batters with two strikeouts and a ground out to end the threat. McKenzie Wilson hit a leadoff single up the middle and stole second on the next pitch, sliding under the tag at second base. Broussard doubled to center field for the first of her three hits to score Wilson for the first run of the game.

UIC responded with a three-run second inning to take the lead. The Flames started the inning with back-to-back hits to knot the game at one. After a fielder's choice put two runners on base, UIC stole home for the go-ahead run and went up two on a one-out sacrifice fly to right field.

From that point forward, Fresno State would shut the UIC offense down and hold them without a hit for the remainder of the game. It started with Orme, who retired 10 straight batters before giving way to East to finish the game.

Fresno State's rally back started in the home half of the third, as Broussard hit a leadoff triple to ignite the offense. Designated player Hayleigh Galvan followed with an RBI single to score Broussard, cutting UIC's lead to one, 3-2.

Fresno State opened a four-run fourth inning with back-to-back walks, and Kaitlyn Jennings would hit a sacrifice bunt to put the runners in scoring position. Broussard doubled down the right field line, bringing in two runs for the lead. Galvan smashed a double down the opposite side on the next at bat, sending Broussard home to build a 6-3 Bulldogs lead.

East entered the circle in relief with two-outs in the fifth, and forced a ground out with two baserunners she inherited to end the inning. East locked down UIC, keeping the Flames hitless in the sixth and seventh innings, to record the save and secure the win for the Bulldogs.

What's next – Fresno State will face Pacific for the final game of the Fresno State Invitational on Sunday, Feb. 23 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.

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