BOISE, Id. – The Fresno State softball team rallied its way to a 3-2 win over Boise State in game one of the series on Friday night at Dona Larsen Park.
The Bulldogs (27-12, 7-4 MW) completed the comeback win over the Broncos (25-18, 5-6 MW), sparked by a home run from Kennedy Bunker, and finished with Taylor Gilmore and the defense stranding five runners in scoring position down the stretch.
Alyssa Ramirez and Juliana Wilson had multiple hits in the contest, both going 2-for-3 with one RBI.
Gilmore went 6.2 innings for the 'Dogs in the circle, dishing a career-high 10 strikeouts to earn her 15th win of the season. Neiss finished off the last batter of the game and recorded her third win of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After sending the Bulldogs' batters down in order to start the game, the Broncos took an early lead with a two-run home run in the bottom of the frame. With one out, Gilmore dealt back-to-back strikeouts to end the inning.
Boise State made it six retired batters in a row in the second. The Broncos looked to add to their lead with bases loaded in the bottom of the frame, but Gilmore struck out the side to strand the runners.
Natalie Elias hit a leadoff single to open the top of the fourth inning. Sophia Medellin was hit by the pitch, putting two runners on base. Both runners advanced on a groundout. Despite a great catch from the Broncos' center fielder during the next at-bat, Elias tagged up and cut the deficit in half.
The Bulldogs tied the game with a solo blast from Bunker to start the fifth inning. Gilmore and the defense send the Broncos down in order in the bottom of the frame.
Fresno State took the lead with a two-out rally in the sixth. Almeida singled through the left side and Wilson belted a double to left center, bringing the game-winner across home plate.
Boise State tallied a hit in the bottom of the sixth and seventh but were unable to score. Neiss entered the game to secure the win 3-2.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs and the Broncos will continue the series with game two tomorrow at 1 p.m. PT.