FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team evened the series against UNLV, taking game two 7-0 on Saturday afternoon at Margie Wright Diamond.
The Bulldogs (29-15, 9-6 MW) posted eight hits in the contest. Senior Sophia Medellin had three hits, recording her third game with three hits this season. Sophomore Natalie Elias also recorded multiple hits in the contest, going 2-for-3 at the plate.
Sophomore left-handed pitcher Serayah Neiss went the distance for the Bulldogs. Neiss pitched her second complete game of the season. She dished out strikeouts and only gave up three hits to earn her 12th win of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first inning, Juliana Wilson was hit by a pitch to open the bottom of the second. Wilson advanced to second on a ground out and was sent home by an error made by the Rebels' shortstop, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
UNLV had a runner in scoring position after a leadoff double in the third inning, but Neiss and the defense retired 13 out of the last 15 batters to keep the Rebels off the scoreboard.
Fresno State extended its advantage during the bottom of the inning. Elias leadoff with an infield single, and Medellin followed with an infield single of her own. Keahilele Mattson made it three base, scoring Elias. With two runners on and no outs, Wilson kept the streak alive with another single to score Medellin. Kennedy Bunker scored the final run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to center field. The Bulldogs owned a 4-0 lead after three innings.
The Bulldogs added a run in the next frame, scoring off two hits. Fresno State put the game away in the bottom of the sixth. Two walks and a single to open the inning loaded the bases for the Bulldogs. Alyssa Ramirez hit into a fielder's choice, scoring a run. The Bulldogs attempted to steal second, distracting the Rebels' defense, and allowing Medellin to score from third.
Fresno State carried a 7-0 lead into the final inning. UNLV tallied a hit in the top of the seventh, but Neiss and the defense secured the win for the Bulldogs.
UP NEXT
The rubber match between the Bulldogs and the Rebels will be played tomorrow at 11 a.m. PT at Margie Wright Diamond.