CHICO, Calif. – Karolyn Gubbine's (Richmond, California, Pinole Valley) single in the top of the fourth inning drove in Arianna Welch (Tracy, California, West) with the go-ahead run, as the San Francisco State softball team edged Chico State, 2-1, in the second game of a California Collegiate Athletic Association doubleheader on Saturday at University Softball Field in Chico, Calif. Earlier in the day, the Gators dropped a 4-3 decision in game one after the Wildcats overcame a 3-1 deficit.
With the split, SF State is now 27-20 on the season and 9-15 in the CCAA, while Chico State moves 18-35 overall and 6-26 in league play.
In the nightcap, Gator starter Vanessa Truan (San Jose, California, Leland) (6-5) earned her third straight victory, giving up one unearned run on three hits while surviving six walks in 6 1/3 innings. Reliever Ashley Jackson (Vallejo, California, St. Patrick-St. Vincent) then got the final two outs to notch her second save in as many days. Meanwhile, Wildcat starter Jessica McDermott (8-19) went the distance, but was saddled with the loss after allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks.
Chico State struck first with an unearned run in the bottom of the third as Sam Quadt beat out an infield single and advanced on an SF State throwing error, scoring Charlotte Honciano, who previously singled and stole second.
The Gators then rallied with two runs in the top of the fourth to take a 2-1 lead. Monica Amburgey (Monterey, California, Monterey) hit a one-out single down the left field line and advanced to third on a Wildcat error. Welch followed with an RBI double to right center, while Kelly McDonald (Gilroy, California, Live Oak)drew a walk. Moments later, both runners moved up on an errant Chico State throw back to the infield after a flyout. Gubbine then stepped up an delivered a single through the right side, plating Welch with what proved to be the winning run.
The Wildcats loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the frame; however, Truan induced a groundout to get out of the jam. Chico State put a runner on second in the seventh with one out in the second, but Jackson came on and recorded a strikeout and a pop-up to preserve the victory.
Game one was scoreless until the top of the fourth when Lea Cardenas (Sanger, California, Sanger) led off with her ninth home run of the season, putting the visitors up 1-0. However, the Wildcats got the equalizer in the bottom of the inning after Reina Andreatta's single knocked in Christina Wieck.
SF State reclaimed the lead in the top of the fifth, as Gubbine walked and promptly scored on Kendra Wood's (San Jose, California, Lynbrook) double to right center. Kelsey Wood (San Jose, California, Lynbrook) then followed with an RBI single to put the Gators up 3-1. However, Chico State fought back with two runs in the bottom of the frame to tie the score at 3-3. After Quadt led off with a single and advanced on a passed ball, Gwen Cox beat out a bunt attempt, while an SF State error on the play scored Quadt. Then following a stolen base and a sacrifice, Rebecca Johnson drove in Cox with an RBI single.
The Wildcats went ahead to stay in the sixth after Cox hit a two-out double to bring home pinch-runner Christine Johnson, putting the home side up, 4-3. Kelsey Wood drew a lead-off walk in the seventh; however, the Gators were unable to capitalize as Chico State starter Lauren Walker retired the next three hitters to seal the win.
Jackson (14-8) went the distance for the Gators once again, but was tagged with the loss after giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits and one walk. Walker (9-16) picked up the victory, giving up three runs while scattering eight hits and five walks.
Danielle Chapman (San Jose, California, Westmont, San Jose City College) and Jessica Delgado (Monterey, California, North Monterey, Cal State Monterey Bay) had two hits apiece to pace the SF State offense.
The Gators return to the diamond next week when they squares off against Cal State Dominguez Hills in a pair of doubleheaders, Wednesday-Thursday, April 22-23, at SFSU Softball Field. Starting time for both dates is 1 p.m.
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
