FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Fresno State softball team (32-18, 15-7 MW) defeated Colorado State 10-2 securing the series win on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulldogs notched their 11th game of the season with 10 or more hits, outslugging the Rams 12-6. Four players recorded multiple hits, and freshman Kiara Sipes led the way with a grand slam, driving in a team-high four RBIs.
Serayah Neiss pitched her second consecutive complete game, improving to 16-5 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State took an early lead, scoring five runs on 4 hits in the first inning. Leadoff Natalie Elias reached base on a throwing error by the pitcher, advancing all the way to third as the ball went down the left field line. Taryn Irigoyen brought her in with an RBI groundout. The next batter was retired with a strikeout. The Bulldogs started a two-out rally, hitting three straight singles to load the bases. Sipe blasted the ball over the right field wall for a grand slam, giving the Bulldogs a 5-0 lead.
After being held scoreless for three innings, Colorado State finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth. The Rams led off with a double down the left-field line, followed by a single to left-center, which drove in their first run. Back-to-back singles loaded the bases with one out, and a walk brought in the second run of the inning. The defense retired the next two batters, getting the Bulldogs out of the jam, but Colorado State had cut the deficit to three runs, 5-3.
Fresno State looked to respond in the top of the fifth. Kennedy Bunker led off with a single through the right side, and Almeida followed with a walk, putting two on with no outs. Madison Rey then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners into scoring position. However, Colorado State got the next two outs, stranding the runners.
The Bulldogs had another five-run inning in the sixth. A leadoff walk by Emma Martinez, followed by back-to-back singles from Marissa Montelongo and Natalie Elias, loaded the bases. Taryn Irigoyen then delivered a two-RBI single to center field. Bunker followed with another two-RBI single, and Jamie Hicks capped the inning with an RBI groundout. The Bulldogs took a 10-2 lead into the bottom of the frame.
The Rams went down in order, ending the game in six innings.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will end the regular season with a doubleheader against LMU on Wednesday.