FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team earned its third win of the weekend with a 5-4 extra-inning victory over Utah at Margie Wright Diamond on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs (4-4) were outhit by the Utes (4-6) in the contest, 10-6. Senior Lauren Almeida went 2-for-2 at the plate with a season-high three RBIs. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Faith Jordan chalked the start with Hannah Ortega and Serayah Neiss coming in relief. Neiss earned her third win of the season, throwing the final 2.2 innings.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Utes loaded the bases early and capitalized on a throwing error to plate the first run of the game.
The Bulldogs wasted no time with a response. An infield single by leadoff hitter Natalie Elias was followed by a double from Madison Rey. Two batters later, Almeida dropped a bunt to bring Elias across the plate.
After getting the first out of the second inning, three straight batters reaching base for Utah. A double to the wall would clear the bases, giving the Utes a 4-1 lead.
Fresno State tied the game in the bottom of the third. Marissa Montelongo was hit by a pitch to open the inning and advanced to second on a fielder's choice, Elias was also safe on the play due to an error by the defense. Bunker brought both in with a double to the wall. Almeida followed with a hard shot through the hole in the right side to tie the game, 4-4.
The Utes regained the lead in the top of the sixth. Following a one-out double, a fielding error would lead to the go-ahead run.
With the game on the line, Montelongo started things off in the bottom of the seventh for the 'Dogs with a bunt single. A hit back to the pitcher from Elias led to a fielder's choice. Rey then stepped up to the plate and lined a shot down the left-field line. Elias scored to tie the game at 5-5, but the throw caught Rey heading to third base. Bunker fouled out to end the inning and send the game to extra innings.
Neiss sent the Utes down in order in the top of the eighth, striking out the final batter to bring the Bulldogs back to the plate. Almeida led off the inning with Bunker standing on second. With a 3-1 count, the senior hit a line drive off the left field wall to bring Bunker in.
GAME NOTES
Fresno State won its first extra inning game of the season.
Fresno State is on a three-game winning streak.
Madison Rey has reached base in eight consecutive games.
Rey had her second game of the season with multiple hits.
Lauren Almeida had a season-high three RBIs.
Almeida recorded her third game with multiple RBIs.
Kennedy Bunker recorded her third game with multiple RBIs.
Faith Jordan chalked her second start of the season.
Serayah Neiss grabbed her third win of the season.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will finish the weekend with a rematch against Utah at 11 a.m. PT tomorrow at Margie Wright Diamond.