SAN FRANCISCO – Trying to avoid a four game sweep at the hands of the top-ranked team in the nation, the San Francisco State softball team struck first in the series finale, and tied the game late, unfortunately two runs in the bottom of the fifth were the difference as No. 1 Humboldt State game away with the Saturday sweep, winning 2-0 and 5-3.
SF State (3-9/2-6 CCAA) received two very strong pitching performances from their starters. But the offense was held to three runs and 12 hits. Game one starter,
Megan Clark (1-5) threw a complete game, scattered four hits, and went 2-for-3 at the plate.
The Jacks (9-0/4-0 CCAA) were led by starting pitcher Madison Williams (5-0) who went the distance, scattering four hits while striking out 11.
Sara Higa was the only other Gator to record a hit in game one, she went 2-for-3.
In the nightcap,
Lindsey Cassidy (2-4) scattered 11 hits over six complete. She surrendered five runs, only two of which were earned, while striking out three.
The Gators offense struck first, in the top of the third
Madison Collins doubled up the middle to score
Kasie Trezona for the game's first run. Later that inning
Aryn Guzman singled past third base to score Collins, putting the Gators up 2-0.
The Jacks took the lead in the bottom half of the inning, scoring three unearned runs. The third run coming on a bases loaded walk.
The very next inning, the Gators tied the game up.
Angelica Terrel started the rally with a one out single up the middle.
Alexis Konstantino pinch ran for Terrel and stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. She came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Trezona.
The Jacks scored two more runs in the fifth inning, and turned the ball over to Williams who pitched the final two innings for the save. Kalyn Pacque (4-0) earned the win, going 5.0 complete.
At the plate, the Gators were led by Guzman who went 2-for-4 with a RBI and Trezona who was 2-for-2 at the plate.
SF State returns to action next Friday when they travel to La Jolla, Calif., for a four-game series against UC San Diego.