RENO, Nev. – The Fresno State softball team suffered a 14-6 loss to Nevada in its Mountain West-opener on Friday afternoon.
The Bulldogs (17-7, 0-1 MW) gave up a season-high 16 hits in the contest. Fresno State tallied eight hits of its own, led by Natalie Elias who went 2-for-3 at the plate. Elias extended her hitting streak to 19 games. Her streak ranks No. 6 in program history.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Wolf Pack got on the scoreboard first with three runs on five hits in the bottom of the first inning.
The Bulldogs got one back in the top of the second. After an error by Nevada's shortstop, the 'Dogs had a runner on base and Emma Martinez brought her home with a single.
Fresno State had an explosive third inning at the plate, scoring five runs on six hits. Elias tallied her second hit of the game to get the inning started. Elias denied the Wolf Pack's attempt to get her out at second on a fielder's choice, giving Fresno State two base runners. Keahilele Mattson brought in a run with a single up the middle. Lauren Almeida plated two more runs with a double to the wall. Hits from Juliana Wilson and Bella Rocco would bring in the final two runs of the inning. The Bulldogs took a 6-3 lead into the bottom of the third.
The Wolf Pack responded by plating six runs on seven hits to retake the lead, 9-3.
Nevada added onto its lead in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four runs on three hits with two errors by Fresno State's defense.
The Wolf Pack ended the game with a solo home run to start the bottom of the fifth inning, taking the win 14-8.
GAME NOTES
Sophomore Natalie Elias extends her hitting streak to 19 games.
Elias recorded her ninth game with multiple hits this season.
Senior Bella Rocco recorded her first game this season with multiple RBIs.
Sophomore left-handed pitcher drops to 7-4 this season after the loss.
UP NEXT
The series will continue tomorrow at 1 p.m. PT.