SAN FRANCISCO – After falling to visiting Cal State East Bay (27-22/15-19 CCAA) in game one of Friday's twin billing, the SF State Softball team battled in an epic 13 inning marathon game in the nightcap, ultimately falling 10-8 in a thriller that saw two huge home runs from the home team.

To begin the afternoon the Gators (11-39/6-28 CCAA) managed just three hits as the squad fell to the Pioneers 6-0 in game one.  Megan Clark (4-18) took the ball for SF State and pitched three quick innings.  In the fourth she ran into trouble, serving up four runs on four hits to end her day. 

The Pioneers' starter Sierra Clark (14-10) was a bully towards the Gators all afternoon.  In the opener she threw six innings of three hit ball, striking out three to earn her 13^th win of the season.  In the nightcap she threw seven innings in relief scattering six hits and two runs to earn her second win of the day.

In the second game, the Gators jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead.  SF State scored a run in the bottom of the first and two in the second. 

Courtney Gravel led off the first inning with a double to left center on a 1-1 pitch.  It was the first of three hits for the senior who now has 192 career base hits, fifth all-time at SF State.  A sacrifice bunt by Selina Rodriguez moved Gravel to third, who came around to score on the ground out by Lucy Fernandez. 

In the bottom of the second the Gators struck again, this time on a two-run home run by Aryn Guzman, the first of her three hits. 

Pioneers starter Emily Perlich lasted just four innings, giving up two hits, three runs, all earned with two walks and five strike out. 

Jenny Obbema took the ball for the Gators to start the game, she threw 5.0 effective innings, scattering five hits, three runs, with two walks and two strike outs.
The Pioneers answered the Gators early lead with a two run inning in the third and a one run inning in the fourth.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Gators offense struck again, this time a three run blast by Chelsea Brent, the first home run of her career, giving the Gators a 6-3 lead.

In the top half of the seventh things looked to be going well for the SF State.  Guzman got two quick outs and had two strikes on the third before things began to unravel.  A base hit, a walk and a three run home run tied the game at six, the three run shot coming off the bat of Kelsey LaVaute.

CSUEB's Clark entered the game in relief in the bottom of the seventh and sent the game into extra innings.  After throwing 77 pitches in game one, she followed that up throwing 92 pitches in the nightcap. 

Courtney Dunkel (3-7) pitched fabulously out of the pen for the Gators in extras as well.  She threw 5.0 shutout innings before running into trouble in the 13^th.  The Pioneers finally ended the string of scoreless innings, scoring four runs on four hits in the top of the 13^th.  The big hit a two-run home run by catcher Ali Cerminara that gave the Pioneers a four run cushion heading into the bottom half of the inning.

For their part, the Gators made things interesting.  Brent led off with a single to center field, Guzman doubled to left center, Gravel singled down the left field line scoring Brent.  Guzman scored in a ground ball by Rodriguez that doubled off Gravel.  Clark was able to shut the door, getting Jennifer Lewis to pop out to first in foul territory. 

Before tomorrow's double header the Gators will hold a special pre-game ceremony for Senior Day.  SF State will be saying goodbye to three phenomenal student athletes.  First pitch for game one is slated for a 12:00 p.m. start. 

Box Score Game 1 (HTML)

Box Score Game 2 (HTML)

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Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.

Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments.  For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.