SAN FRANCISCO – Three San Francisco State pitchers combined to throw 14 innings while only allowing three runs, unfortunately a costly error in the sixth inning in the nightcap allowed Cal State San Marcos to squeak away with a Friday afternoon split. The Gators took game one 6-1 before falling in Friday's finale 2-1.
SF State (5-13/4-10 CCAA) received a tremendous effort from the circle.
Megan Clark (3-6) threw a six hit complete game in the opener, while
Aryn Guzman and
Lindsey Cassidy (2-7) combined to throw seven innings of three hit ball in game two.
Clark looked sharp early, recording two strike outs and getting a weak pop up to short for the 1-2-3 inning in the top of the first in game one. She ended up going the distance, throwing seven sharp innings, scattering six hits, allowing one run, with four walks and a season-high seven strike outs.
Sara Higa got her big offensive day going in the bottom of the second in game one. She led off the inning with a double down the left line and took third on a throwing error by the Cougar's left fielder.
Gabby Reta brought Higa in with a sac fly to deep right center.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Clark led off the frame working a walk. Higa wasted no time and launched a 1-1 offering over the right field fence for a two-run home run, her second of the season.
The defense behind Clark was spectacular,
Celeste Adriano erased three base runners attempting to steal, none bigger than in the top of the seventh with the Cougars threatening. With runners on the corner and a run in, Adriano threw a laser to second to for the second out in the inning.
Taking the loss for the Cougars in game one was Ashley Dagenais (1-4) who lasted 5.1 innings, she was roughed up for seven hits, six runs, five earned with a pair of walks and three strike outs.
Higa and Adriano combined for four of the Gators nine hits. Higa was 2-for-3 with three runs scored, and two driven in. Adriano was a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs knocked in.
In game two,
Aryn Guzman took the ball for the Gators making her first start of the season. She issued a one out hit in the first but kept the Cougars quiet through five innings. Her line for the day, 5.0 innings pitched, two hits, no runs, with a pair of walks.
In the bottom of the second inning Higa left earth for a second time on the day, and her third of the year. She launched a solo home run over the left field fence to give SF State a 1-0 lead.
Cougar's starter Amanda Horbasch (3-2) did her part, she kept the Gators offense largely in check. Aside from the home run issued to Higa, she scattered three hits over 7.0 complete, with three walks and seven strike outs.
In the top of the sixth inning, with
Lindsey Cassidy (2-7) in the circle, the Cougars got their first two runners reach on an error and a double down the left field line. Cassidy battled back, getting a foul out to third and struck out the next batter to get two outs. But a throwing error on a bunt with two outs allowed two runs to score for CSUSM.
Higa, Adriano and Reta recorded the Gators three hits in game two. Adriano and Higa finished the day with four hits apiece.
The series will resume tomorrow when the Gators and Cougars play a double header, game one is scheduled for an 11:00 a.m. start.
