FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team opened the Bulldog Classic with a 3-2 walk-off win over CSUN on Friday evening at Margie Wright Diamond.
Both teams tallied six hits. Sophomore Natalie Elias led the Bulldogs (15-5) at the plate with a season-high three hits. In the circle, Serayah Neiss and Taylor Gilmore split the innings. The duo combined for six strikeouts. Gilmore earned her eighth win of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After two scoreless innings, CSUN took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning off one hit. Fresno State tied the game in the bottom of the frame. Juliana Wilson got on base after getting hit by the pitch, and Bella Rocco moved her into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Elias plated the run with an RBI-double.
The game remained knotted at 1-1 through the next two innings. The Matadors retook the lead in the top of the sixth, scoring a run off of two hits. In the bottom of the inning, Elias sent a lead-off single up the middle. Sophia Medellin moved her to second base after laying down a sacrifice bunt. Keahilele Mattson crushed a double to center field, tying the game 2-2.
Gilmore and the defense sent the Matadors down in order, giving the offense a chance to finish the game in the bottom of the seventh.
Emma Martinez drew a lead-off walk and was moved into scoring position by another perfectly executed sacrifice bunt. The next batter was retired. With two outs, Kealani Nitta stepped in to pinch hit and hit an infield single to keep the inning alive. CSUN intentionally walked Elias, loading the bases. Medellin called game with an infield single hit hard to the pitcher.
The Bulldogs took the in 3-2, improving to 15-5 on the season.
GAME NOTES
Fresno State has won 10 out of its last 11 games.
Sophomore Natalie Elias recorded a season-high three hits.
Elias extended her hitting streak to 15 straight games.
Elias logged her fifth game this season with multiple hits.
Senior Taylor Gilmore logged her eighth win of the season.