Fresno State tops Utah State in series-opening doubleheader

LOGAN, Utah – The Fresno State softball team secured two wins over Utah State on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs (17-6, 5-0 MW) secured the series win and remain perfect in Mountain West Play.

"Hailey (Dolcini) threw a gem in game one," head coach Linda Garza. "Dolcini and our defense held us in the game. We struggled to make adjustments at the plate and it came down to one big hit. Vanessa (Hernandez) crushed that ball. Dariana (Orme) and our defense executed all game two. Our offense came alive. It was great to see Keahilele (Mattson) step up for us. It is tough to get road wins. Our focus is always to win each pitch and our mission is getting one more win tomorrow."

Senior right-handed pitcher Hailey Dolcini chalked the start in game one. She pitched a complete-game shutout for the sixth time this season. Dolcini tallied 10 strikeouts and only allowed three hits in nine innings of work. Dariana Orme took the circle in game two, and pitched a complete game for the 'Dogs.

Freshman Keahilele Mattson was clutch at the plate for Fresno State, going 3-for-6 with two RBIs. Junior Vanessa Hernandez hit the Bulldogs' 15^th home run of the season in game one to secure the win.

Game One – The series opener turned out to be a battle of the pitchers. Dolcini recorded 10+ strikeouts for the seventh time this season.

Both teams were able to get runners on base, but great defensive plays prevented any runs from crossing the plate through seven innings. Fresno State entered extra innings for the first time this season. The Aggies looked to strike first in the bottom of the eighth after a walk and a two-out single put runners on the corners. Dolcini kept the game scoreless by striking out the next batter.

Fresno State took the lead in the top of the ninth with a solo home run from Hernandez. Dolcini and defense retired the Aggies in order to solidify the win.

Game Two – Fresno State carried the momentum into game two. Although Utah State recorded a hit in the first inning, the Bulldogs struck first with two hits in the top of the second to plate a run.

The Bulldogs showed their offensive power in the fourth inning, chalking eight runs on five hits. Fresno State rotated through their lineup nearly twice as they rattled off three doubles and the inning was capped off with a home run from Kelcey Carrasco.

Utah State escaped a shutout with a solo home run in fifth, but Fresno State would earn its eighth run rule victory of the season.

Up Next – Fresno State will play the series finale tomorrow at 9:30 a.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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Fresno State tops Utah State in series-opening doubleheader

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Team Stats

Vanessa M. Hernandez

Keahilele Mattson

Miranda Rohleder

Alesia Denby

Players Mentioned

Kelcey Carrasco

Hailey Dolcini

Vanessa Hernandez

Keahilele Mattson

Dariana Orme