FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team defeated LMU 3-0 in the series finale on Saturday afternoon at Margie Wright Diamond.
The Bulldogs (21-22, 2-4 MW) secured the series win over the Lions (16-16, 0-0 WCC), outhitting the competition 5-4 in the contest. Fresno State's five hits came off the bats of five different Bulldogs.
Three pitchers saw time in the circle. Senior right-handed pitcher pitched the majority of the innings, going 3.1 with four strikeouts to post her 12th win of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first inning, Kennedy Bunker drew a leadoff walk in the bottom of the second to get the offense going. Emma Martinez laid down a sacrifice bunt to put a runner in scoring position. The next batter was retired with a fly out to center field. With two outs, Kealani Nitta rallied with an RBI-double to center field, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
Fresno State added on to its lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Sophia Medellin drew a leadoff walk and Keahilele Mattson moved her to third base with a base hit. Lauren Almeida executed a squeeze bunt, scoring Medellin from third. With all runners safe on the previous play, Martinez loaded the bases after she was hit by a pitch. Juliana Wilson drew a bases-loaded walk to plate the third run of the game for the Bulldogs.
Gilmore sent the Lions down in order in the next frame. LMU returned the favor in the bottom of the sixth.
Fresno State took a 3-0 lead into the seventh. After back-to-back batters were retired, LMU attempted a two-out rally with an infield-single. Right-fielder Natalie Elias would make the play in foul territory to end the game.
The Bulldogs recorded their sixth shutout of the season.
GAME NOTES
Fresno State outhit LMU 5-4.
Fresno State has won back-to-back games.
Fresno State secured its first series win of the season.
The Bulldogs recorded their sixth shutout of the season.
Senior Keahiele Mattson continues her hitting streak, making it seven straight games.
Freshman right-handed pitcher Faith Jordan recorded her fifth start in the circle.
Senior right-handed pitcher Taylor Gilmore owns a 12-3 record
UP NEXT
Fresno State will resume Mountain West play with a doubleheader at San Jose State on Wednesday, April 3.