FRESNO, Calif. —The Fresno State softball team (27-17, 11-6 MW) pulled off a come-from-behind victory over New Mexico, winning the first game of the series 7-5 on Thursday night at Margie Wright Diamond.
Despite being outhit by the Lobos 9-8, the Bulldogs came out on top. Emma Martinez led the way at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
Three pitchers saw action in the circle for Fresno State. Serayah Neiss went the distance, tossing 4.1 innings and recording a season-high six strikeouts. With the win, Neiss improves to 12-5 on the year.
HOW IT HAPPENED
New Mexico jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning. A leadoff walk and an error on a fielder's choice put two runners on with no outs. The next batter belted a triple to clear the bases, and a sacrifice fly brought her home.
The Lobos added to their lead in the third, scoring two more runs with a two-out rally.
Fresno State found an offensive spark in the bottom of the inning. Kennedy Bunker was hit by a pitch, Taryn Irigoyen singled, and Lauren Almeida drew a walk to load the bases with one out. Madison Rey drove in a run with a single, and Emma Martinez followed with a two-RBI single to cut the deficit to 5-3.
After retiring the Lobos in order in the top of the fourth, the Bulldogs took the lead in the bottom half of the inning. With one out, back-to-back singles by Alyssa Orr and Kealani Nitta, combined with a throwing error, put runners on second and third. Bunker drew a walk to load the bases. An error on a fielder's choice by the second baseman allowed two runs to score, tying the game. Lauren Almeida followed with an RBI groundout to give Fresno State a 6-5 lead.
Fresno State added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth. Martinez crushed a leadoff double to left field, and a sacrifice bunt from Kiara Sipe moved her to third base. Alyssa Ramirez brought her in with a sacrifice fly.
Neiss was dealing through the final two innings, dishing four strikeouts to secure the 7-5 win over the Lobos.
UP NEXT
Fresno State and New Mexico will continue the series with game two at 6 p.m. PT at Margie Wright Diamond.