LAS VEGAS – The Fresno State softball team secured the series win over UNLV after defeating the Rebels 3-1 in game two on Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs (19-9, 5-0 MW) outhit the Rebels (16-14, 1-4 MW) 9-5 in the contest. Fresno State had three players record multiple hits, led by Kennedy Bunker who went 2-for-4 with one RBI.
Faith Jordan chalked the start in the circle, pitching 4.0 innings to earn her fourth win of the season. Serayah Neiss came in relief, throwing 3.0 innings for her second save this season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State got off to a strong start, scoring two runs on four hits in the first inning. Kennedy Bunker sparked the offense with a one-out solo home run over the right-field wall. Lauren Almeida followed with a single and advanced to second after tagging up on a deep fly ball. Taryn Irigoyen then drove in another run with a double to left-center field. Emma Martinez singled, and Madison Rey drew a walk to load the bases with two outs. Alyssa Rebolledo was hit by a pitch, but the runner at third left early, ending the inning.
UNLV looked to respond in the bottom of the first. The Rebels began the inning with a single and a walk, putting two runners on base. However, the next batter hit into a double play, halting their momentum. The following batter was retired with a fly ball to right field, ending the inning.
The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third inning. Bunker hit a leadoff double, and moved to third on a ground out. Alyssa Ramirez sent up a sacrifice fly to give Fresno State a 3-0 lead.
The Rebels responded with their first run of the game in the bottom of the inning. The leadoff batter drew a walk, and a double followed, putting two runners in scoring position with no outs. A sacrifice fly brought in the run, but the 'Dogs retired the next two batters to keep a 3-1 lead.
Serayah Neiss took the circle to start the fifth inning and retired nine straight batters.
With neither team scoring through the first six innings, the 'Dogs opened the seventh with back-to-back singles. However, a double play and a force out kept them from getting on the board. The Rebels still had one more chance in the bottom of the inning. The first two batters were retired, but a two-out single gave them hope, with the leadoff hitter coming up next. However, Fresno State's defense stepped up, making the final play to secure the series win.
NOTABLE
Fresno State has won 10 straight games.
Fresno State secured its second MW series win.
Fresno State is off to its best start to conference play since 2021.
Three Bulldogs recorded multiple hits in the contest.
Kennedy Bunker had her 12th game with multiple hits this season.
Faith Jordan improves to 4-3 on the season.
Serayah Neiss earned her second save of the season.
UP NEXT
Fresno State and UNLV will play the series finale tomorrow at Noon PT.