SAN FRANCISCO – The two sides traded shutdown pitching performances as the SF State softball team and visiting Stanislaus State drew a Friday split to begin the four game series at the SF State Softball Field.  The Warriors took game one 4-0 with the Gators taking the nightcap 4-1.

Like they did on Tuesday, SF State (10-11/7-7 CCAA) received two solid pitching performances from starters Lindsey Cassidy (2-4) and Megan Clark (6-4).  Cassidy took the loss in the opener throwing seven solid innings, she made just two mistakes on the day and they cost her.  Clark was a bulldog in the nightcap, throwing seven complete scattering six hits and a run while striking out three for her sixth win of the season.

"In game one, we didn't make offensive adjustments and tried too hard with runners in scoring position," said head coach Lisa Allen.  "In game two, our defense adjusted to their lefties and played great behind Megan.  We strung together some hits together for the early lead.  I am proud with the way the team responded after the first game, we look to continue that tomorrow."

In the opener Cassidy pitched well, she scattered eight hits and four runs while striking out four.  She kept the Warriors (14-11/11-9 CCAA) off the scoreboard until the top of the fifth inning when she surrendered the first of her two, two-run home runs allowed.

Stanislaus State's Cassidy Duke broke the scoreless tie when she sent the first pitch of the at bat over the left field fence for her fifth home run of the season.  Cassidy responded quieting the Warriors bats until the top of the seventh inning when Ruby Quiralte hit a ball over the center field fence, giving the Warriors a 4-0 cushion.

Offensively, in the opener the Gators could not figure out starter Kyle Ragsdale (9-6) who threw seven complete, scattering five hits, with three walks and three strike outs. 

Alexis Mattos went 1-for-2 and stole her eighth base of the season in the opener.  Jennifer Lewis, Chelsea Brent and Kaylie Shaw had the other Gator hits.
 
In the nightcap Clark was brilliant. The Warriors recorded six hits and drew six walks but could only score one run out of that.  The lone run coming in the top of the sixth inning when the Warriors strung together a pair of hits with a walk.

The Gators offense regrouped and roughed up game two starter Karina Callazo (4-1) for four runs on six hits over six complete.

SF State struck first scoring three runs in the bottom of the second, the big hit a two-out, two-run single off the bat of Mattos who singled to right center and advanced to second on the throw.  Mattos went 2-for-3 in the nightcap.

Lewis went 1-for-2 with an RBI in the fifth to give SF State an insurance run.  Brent also knocked in a run in the bottom of the second inning.  Marisa Andrade went 1-for-3 with a run scored, Sara Higa also went 1-for-3 with a run scored.

The Gators look to take the series tomorrow when SF State and Stanislaus State kick off a double header starting at noon at the SF State Softball Field. 

Complete Box Score Game 1 (PDF)

Complete Box Score Game 2 (PDF)

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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.