FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team bested Colorado State 5-2, winning its sixth straight series at Margie Wright Diamond on Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs (32-15. 12-6 MW) clinched their spot in the six-team 2024 Mountain West Championship (May 9-11) in Boise Id.
Senior Keahilele Mattson led the team at the plate, going 2-for-2 with one walk. In the circle, Serayah Neiss and Taylor Gilmore split innings. Neiss earned her 13th win of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State got on the board first for the second straight day. Despite Kealani Nitta being thrown out at home on a fielder's choice, Natalie Elias was able to advance to second. A fly out advanced the sophomore to third before Mattson went off the center field wall to put the 'Dogs ahead.
Colorado State responded right away. A single and an error put the lead-off hitter on second. A single up the middle tied the game.
After getting sent down in order in the second and third, the Bulldogs loaded up the bases to start the fourth. A one-out fielder's choice from Kennedy Bunker gave Fresno State a 2-1 lead.
Following a one-out double in the top of the fifth, Taylor Gilmore entered the circle in relief of Serayah Neiss. After a ground out advanced the runner to third, the senior pitcher struck out Maya Matsubara to end the threat. The Bulldogs' offense repaid her with insurance in the bottom half of the inning. Following an intentional walk of Juliana Wilson to load the bases, Emma Martinez went back up the middle to plate two.
Fresno State tacked another on in the sixth. With Ava Tingey standing on second, Bailey Williams went to the left side where the ball got by the shortstop, allowing the sophomore to score.
The Rams didn't go away quietly. Four straight singles to start the seventh made it a 5-2 game. The Bulldogs brought Neiss back into the game in the circle. The sophomore shut the door, inducing a pair of pop flies and a ground out to end the day.
GAME NOTES
Fresno State clinched its spot in the six-team Mountain West Championship Tournament for the second consecutive season.
Fresno State has won 10 out of its last 12 conference games.
Senior Keahilele Mattson recorded her 14th game this season with multiple hits.
Sophomore Emma Martinez recorded her eighth game this season with multiple RBIs.
Martinez is currently on a six-game hitting streak.
Sophomore left-handed pitcher Serayah Neiss recorded her 13th win of the season.
UP NEXT
Fresno State and Colorado State will finish the series tomorrow at 10 a.m. PT at Margie Wright Diamond. The team will celebrate its seven seniors, with the ceremony starting at 9:45 a.m.