FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team wrapped up day one of the Fresno State Invitational with an 8-0 run-rule victory over Oregon State, on Friday night at Margie Wright Diamond.
The Bulldogs (5-2) fell 6-2 in game one to Utah Valley (3-4), before bouncing back with the win over the Beavers (3-4).
HOW IT HAPPENED VS. UTAH VALLEY
Fresno State out-hit Utah Valley 8-6, but costly errors allowed the Wolverines to build a comfortable lead down the stretch. Natalie Elias and Juliana Wilson led the 'Dogs at the plate, chalking two hits apiece. Serayah Neiss and Taylor Gilmore split time in the circle.
After a scoreless first inning, the Wolverines struck first in the top of the second, scoring one run on three hits. Utah Valley would add two runs in the next frame off two hits and an error by the Bulldogs' outfield.
Fresno State scored its first run of the game in the bottom of the third. Kennedy Bunker got the offense going with a lead-off double down the left-field line. Kealani Nitta brought her home with an RBI-single to second base.
Neither team would score a run in the next two innings. The Wolverines extended their lead scoring three runs in the sixth inning without a hit. They were able to capitalize on two walks, two errors and a passed ball.
The 'Dogs added a run in the bottom of the inning off two hits.
Gilmore and the defense sent the batters down in order, giving the offense an opportunity to make a comeback in the bottom of the seventh. The 'Dogs attempted a two-out rally with a single from Elias and a drawn walk, putting two runners on base, but the Wolverines' pitcher dished a strikeout for the final out.
HOW IT HAPPENED VS. OREGON STATE
Fresno State out-hit Oregon State 13-5. Four Bulldogs recorded multi-hit games, the most in a single game this season. Gilmore pitched a complete game in the circle, earning her third win of the season.
The Bulldogs found their offensive groove in the bottom of the first inning. Back-to-back hits and a walk loaded the bases with one out. Lauren Almeida singled up the middle, bringing home the first run of the contest. Bunker delivered a two-RBI single for a quick 3-0 lead.
Fresno State tallied one run in the bottom of the third to extend the lead. Juliana Wilson reached base after being hit by a pitch, and Taryn Irigoyen took her place as a pinch runner. Almeida recorded her second RBI after Irigoyen used her speed to score from first base on a double down the left-field line.
After holding the Beavers without a run for six innings, the Bulldogs entered the bottom of the frame with a 4-0 lead. Back-to-back hits from Nitta and Bella Rocco put two runners in scoring positions. Another string of back-to-back hits, this time from Keahilele Mattson and Sophia Medellin, brought in three runs. Irigoyen called game with a double to right field walking off the win, 8-0 in six innings.
"I thought our team played really aggressive tonight against Oregon State," said head coach Stacy May-Johnson. "This was a big bounce-back win that shows how resilient this team is. We are starting to learn who we are and how we win, and I think we are pretty dangerous when we play with the level of aggression that we had tonight."
WHAT'S NEXT
The Bulldogs will continue the Fresno State Invitational with two games tomorrow, facing Oregon State at 2p.m. PT and Saint Mary's at 4:30 p.m. PT.
GAME NOTES
Fresno State defeated Oregon State for the first time since 2017.
13 hits against Oregon State is the second-most by Fresno State this season.
Natalie Elias, Kennedy Bunker and Keahilele Mattson recorded their third multi-hit games.
Bunker and Lauren Almeida recorded their second games with multiple RBIs.
Sophia Medellin extended her hitting steak to seven games.
Medellin and Juliana Wilson have reached base in all seven games this season.
Taylor Gilmore earned her third win of the season, while pitching her first complete game of the season.