The Cal State Bakersfield softball team was a sweeping success this past weekend in taking two games apiece from visiting CCAA schools UC San Diego and Cal State San Bernardino. The four victories improved the Runners’ CCAA record to 8-2 and 16-8 overall.
Saturday’s sweep of San Bernardino was highlighted by Melanie Wood’s no-hitter in the opening game. The two-time CCAA Pitcher of the Year struck out seven and walked one in the Runners’ 1-0 victory, outdueling San Bernardino starter Mikki Goldwater.
Senior second baseman Adriana Cisneros provided the game’s only offense with an RBI single to center, scoring shortstop Alicia Castro in the bottom of the sixth. Castro led off the inning with a double and was advanced to third by Tracy Szobonya’s sacrifice bunt.
“These are games that we could’ve split, but we’re able to get it done in close games,” said Head Coach Kathy Welter. “ We always have tough games with San Bernardino because they are tough to beat consistently.”
In the second game the Runners got out to an early lead and cruised to a 7-2 win. CSUB took a 4-0 lead after three innings and starting pitcher Erin Kelly came within one out of a shutout to get the victory and improve to 6-4.
“I felt a lot better than I had all season,” said Kelly. “I’m starting to get back to my old self.”
Offensively, Castro again stole the show by singling twice in the first and third innings and adding a two-run triple in the sixth. On the afternoon Castro finished 4 for 6 with a double, triple, two RBIs and four runs scored.
“I’m just coming through at the right time,” said Castro of her recent success at the plate. “I feel really focused for some reason, but it’s contagious also. As soon as it hits, enthusiasm starts.”
CSUB posted two victories over UC San Diego on Friday afternoon by way of two big innings. In the opener the Runners exploded for five runs in the third en route to a 6-3 victory. Cisneros led the charge for CSUB with a two-run triple and Castro drove in three runs, including a two-run single in the third inning. That would be more than enough for Wood, who finished with seven strikeouts, to pick up the win.
The second game featured a Cal State squad who sleep walked their way through the first five innings before busting open a tight game with a seven-run sixth. Trailing 2-0, Castro began the charge by opening the inning with a leadoff triple and later scored on an infield single by Cisneros. After designated hitter Brooke Gettig was intentionally walked to load the bases, Katie King tied the game with a single. With still nobody out and the bases loaded, right fielder Jackie Goodin drew a bases-loaded walk to give the Runners their first lead at 3-2. Following an RBI single by catcher Tara Licuanan, Castro returned to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded. This time Castro cleared the bases with a three-run double, giving CSUB a final 7-2 advantage.
“I think were starting to put it together,” said Kelly, who went the distance to record her fifth victory of the season. “If we carry our momentum we should continue to get wins.”
Castro finished the weekend 8-13 with 8 runs batted in off of two triples, two doubles and four singles. She currently leads the team in every major offensive category including a .429 batting average and a .714 slugging percentage.
The Roadrunners will be out of action during finals week before resuming play March 21 at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Runner@csubak.edu