FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team fell to UNLV 4-1 in the first game of the series on Thursday evening at Margie Wright Diamond.
The Bulldogs were outhit in the contest 9-6. Senior Emery Nielson had a team-high two hits. Sophomore Keahilele Mattson paired one hit and one RBI. In the circle, Marley Hanlon and Cassidy West split innings. West dished two strikeouts.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the inning, the 'Dogs plated the first run of the game in the bottom of the first. Abby Doughty hit a leadoff single and Nielson moved her into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Mattson brought Doughty home with a base-hit to give Fresno State an early lead.
UNLV tied the in the third inning with two hits. The Rebels would extend their lead in the top of the seventh. With one runner on and two outs, UNLV rallied with back-to-back singles to bring in two runs and take a 4-1 lead.
The Bulldogs hit a leadoff single to start the bottom half of the inning but were unable to overcome the deficit.
WHAT'S NEXT
Fresno State and UNLV will play the second game of the series tomorrow at 6 p.m. PT.