FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team split the second day of the Fresno State Invitational, falling to Cal 7-2 before defeating Southern Utah 5-0.
HOW IT HAPPENED VS. CAL
Cal and Fresno State both had six hits apiece, but the Bulldogs' six errors on defense were the difference makers in the game. Junior Alyssa Rebolledo led the team at the plate with a career-high three hits.
The Golden Bears took a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the third. With a runner on first and one out, a single moved the runner to third base, and an RBI ground out would plate the first run of the game.
Cal exploded for six runs in the fifth inning, beginning with a double to left center. A sacrifice bunt then moved the runner to third. The next batter reached base on a throwing error by the third baseman, allowing the runner on third to score. The following batter singled to center field, advanced to third, and scored on an error by the pitcher. Another throwing error allowed an additional run to cross the plate. The next batter doubled in a run, moved to third on a wild pitch, and then scored on an error by the left fielder.
Fresno State scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh. Kennedy Bunker singled to the pitcher, and Taryn Irigoyen was hit by a pitch, putting two runners on base. Alyssa Rebolledo then hit a two-out triple, clearing the bases. However, Cal retired the next batter to stop the rally and seal a 7-2 victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED VS. SOUTHERN UTAH
After two scoreless innings, Fresno State took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third. Kiara Sipe singled to right field. Natalie Elias hit an unbelievable inside-the-park home run to score two runs.
The Thunderbirds threatened in the top of the fourth with the bases loaded and two outs, but Key-annah Campbell-Pu'a and the defense got out of the jam to keep the 2-0 advantage.
The Bulldogs had a big inning in the bottom of the fifth, scoring three runs on four hits. Alyssa Rebolledo reached base on a throwing error by the second baseman, and Olivia Hill followed with a single to put two runners on. Jamie Hicks then singled up the middle, bringing Rebolledo home. Elias kept the rally going with another base hit, driving in Hill. After stealing second, Elias scored on Kennedy Bunker's single, the fourth hit of the inning.
Faith Jordan took over the circle to start the sixth. Jordan and the defense retired the six straight batters to secure the win.
NOTABLE
Fresno State picks up its second shutout win of the season.
Kennedy Bunker is on a seven-game hitting streak.
Bunker has reached base in 13 consecutive games.
Alyssa Rebolledo had a career-high three hits against Cal.
Rebolledo tied her career-high with two RBIs against Cal.
Kiara Sipe had a season-high two hits against Cal.
Natalie Elias hit her first career home run against Southern Utah.
Elias had a career-high three RBIs against Southern Utah.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will finish the weekend with a game against CSU Bakersfield tomorrow at Noon at Margie Wright Diamond.