The CSUB softball team was swept at UC Davis as the ‘Runners failed to score in both games on Saturday.
CSUB bats were quieted by two complete-game shutouts from Aggie pitchers at LaRue Field as Davis picked up its first double-header sweep this season
The Aggies won the opener, 3-0, before completing the sweep with a 1-0 win in the nightcap. CSUB entered the weekend tied with UC San Diego for the league lead, but dropped to 19-6 and 6-4.
Davis finally got to CSUB starter Erin Kelly in the fourth inning of the first game. A two-run double to highlighted a three-run inning for the Aggie. Kelly was locked into a duel with as she allowed just one hit through the first three innings. The ‘Runners were able to generate three hits in that span, but could not take advantage.
The ‘Runners had their best scoring chance with one out in the fifth, but pinch runner Sarah McClain was thrown out at third after a soft liner was fielded by the pitcher.
Maigan Salomino and Katie King each had singles in the seventh, bringing the tying run to the plate, but Allison Amezcua got out on an infield fly to end the game. King was 3-for-3 in the while Rios, Salamino and Amezcua also had hits.
Kelly also pitched well, striking out seven and walking just two. She fell to 10-4 on the season.
Davis pitching was flawless in the early stages of game two as only nine ‘Runner batters made plate appearances through the first three innings.
Jenny Rios broke the hitless streak with a single in the fourth. Davis retired CSUB’s final 10 batters.
The Aggies scored their only run in the fourth inning after an infield error by CSUB allowed Davis a base runner. A sacrifice advanced the Aggie to second and Davis scored on a liner to right-centerfield.
UC Davis only had three hits off Roadrunner pitcher Melanie Harrington, who struck out three and walked none.
‘Runners earn split at Stanislaus
A controversial appeal play in extra innings of game one went against the Cal State Bakersfield softball team Friday afternoon, leading to a double-header split at Chico State.
The Roadrunners ended up dropping game one 3-2 in nine innings before coming back to take the nightcap 6-3.
The ‘Runners scored twice in the sixth inning of game one to take a 2-1 lead before Chico tied the game with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. CSUB centerfielder Tracy Szobonya threw out former ‘Runner Ashely Andersen at the plate on the play which drove in the tying run to force extra innings.
CSUB thought it scored the winning run in the eighth inning when junior Lynn Kraftschik came home on a fly ball by Tara Licuanan. But base umpire Dave Mausdley called Kraftschik out on appeal for leaving early, a call which CSUB Coach Kathy Welter strongly protested.
The Wildcats finally won the game in the bottom of the ninth inning when No. 9 hitter Megan Farnham hit a leadoff triple and scored on a Bridgette Overstreet sacrifice fly.
CSUB jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning of game two thanks in large part to a pair of Chico errors.
Doubles by Kraftschik and freshman Allison Amezcua helped the ‘Runners expand the lead to 6-0 before Chico scored three late runs.
Kraftschik, Katie King and former Chico State shortstop Candace Pillado had three hits apiece in the double-header for CSUB. Amy Bierch had three hits to lead Chico State.
The ‘Runners will be home this weekend to take on UC San Diego and CSU San Bernardino. CSUB will face San Bernardino in a double-header on Friday, beginning at 1 p.m. and UC San Diego on Saturday, with the first game beginning at noon.
Runner@csubak.edu