STANFORD, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team fell to No. 8 Stanford 7-2 at Smith Family Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Bulldogs (26-12, 6-4 MW) were narrowly out-hit by the Cardinal (32-6, 11-1 PAC-12) in the contest 10-9. Senior Keahilele Mattson led Fresno State at the plate, tying her career-high with three hits.
Four pitchers saw time in the circle for Fresno State, as freshman right-handed pitcher Ruby Anderson recorded her fifth start of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs took an early lead over the nationally-ranked Cardinal in the opening inning. Natalie Elias and Sophia Medellin hit back-to-back singles out two runners on base with one out, and Mattson was hit by a pitch to load the bases. The first run of the game was plated after Stanford's shortstop committed an error, allowing Elias to cross home plate.
The Cardinal struck back in the bottom of the frame. The leadoff batter drew a walk and took second on a wild pitch. The next batter belted an RBI-single to tie the game. Anderson and the defense retired the next batter, but the following two batters would reach base. Freshman right-handed pitcher Faith Jordan entered the circle and got the Bulldogs out of the inning with the game tied 1-1.
Stanford loaded the bases in the bottom of the second, and Fresno State made another pitching change putting sophomore left-hander Serayah Neiss in the circle, Neiss stranded the three runners to keep the game tied.
After the Cardinal's leadoff batter was retired in the bottom of the third, the following three batters would load the bases with two singles and a drawn walk. The Bulldogs' shortstop committed a fielding error during the next at-bat that would clear the bases. Stanford added the fourth run of the inning with an RBI-single, taking a 5-1 lead.
Through the next three innings, Fresno State tallied four hits but was unable to score, stranding five runners.
Stanford added to its lead in the bottom of the sixth, plating two runs on four hits.
The Bulldogs were able to tally a run in the top of the seventh, but weren't able to overcome the deficit, falling to the Cardinal 7-2.
GAME NOTES
Freshman right-handed pitcher Ruby Anderson chalked her fifth start of the season.
Sophomore left-handed pitcher Serayah Neiss falls to 11-6 on the season.
Senior Sophia Medellin extended her hitting streak to eight games.
Medellin has reached base in eight consecutive games.
Senior Keahilele Mattson tied her career-high with three hits.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will jump back into conference play against Boise State on the road, April 13-15.