FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State softball team dropped the series opener to San Jose State, 2-0, on Thursday night at Margie Wright Diamond.
The Bulldogs (21-11, 5-2 MW) outhit the Spartans (15-16, 4-3 MW) 6-3 in the contest. Taryn Irigoyen and Kealani Nitta each recorded two hits.
Three Bulldogs saw time in the circle. Key-Annah Campbell Pu'a falls to 5-5 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first inning, SJSU took a 1-0 lead in the second. The leadoff batter was hit by pitch then a miscue on a fielder's choice left both runners safe. Campbell-Pu'a and the defense retired the next two batters, but a two-out infield single would plate a run.
Fresno State had the chance to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth with a two-out rally. After the first two batters of the inning were retired, Lauren Almeida drew a walk and Taryn Irigoyen sent her to third base with her second single of the night. With runners on the corners, SJSU's defense made the play at first base for the third out to strand the runners.
The Spartans extended their lead in the seventh inning. The leadoff batter drew a walk and was moved to third with two sacrifice bunts. The next batter brought the runner home with a two-out single to left field.
In the bottom of the frame, the first two Fresno State batters were retired. Kealani Nitta kept the inning alive with a bunt-single, but the Spartans' pitcher dished a strikeout to end the game.
UP NEXT
Fresno State and SJSU will play game two tomorrow at 6 p.m. PT at Margie Wright Diamond.