FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team bounced back from last night's loss with a 3-2 walk-off win over South Dakota State, on Friday night at Margie Wright Diamond. Juliana Wilson called game for Fresno State, delivering a two-out single in the bottom of the eighth inning.
The Bulldogs (1-1) out-hit the Jackrabbits (2-1) 7-4 on the night. Senior Keahilele Mattson had another stellar night at the plate going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two extra-base hits and one walk.
Sophomore left-handed pitcher Serayah Neiss started in the circle for Fresno State. She went 6.2 innings with two strikeouts, holding SDSU scoreless for six innings. Senior right-handed pitcher Taylor Gilmore closed out the last 1.1 innings, also dishing two strikeouts in the win.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs' offense didn't waste any time getting a run on the board. Kealani Nitta drew a lead-off walk and Mattson brought her around the bases with a double to center field, giving Fresno State an early 1-0 lead.
The lead was doubled in the bottom of the third inning, Natalie Elias used her speed for a lead-off single and Mattson drove her in with a single to right field.
Fresno State was one out away from closing the game in seven innings, but SDSU rallied with back-to-back multi-base hits to make it a one-run game. The Bulldogs' infield committed an untimely error, allowing another run to score, tying the game 2-2.
In the top of the eighth inning, the Jackrabbits were sent down in order giving the Bulldogs another chance to close out the win.
Sophia Medellin hit a two-out double down the left-field line, putting a runner on base for Wilson. The junior came up clutch with a walk-off single.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will play two games tomorrow, facing Santa Clara at 3 p.m. PT before closing out day three of the tournament with CSU Bakersfield at 5:30 p.m.