FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno State softball team (28-17, 11-6 MW) secured the series win over New Mexico with a 6-4 victory on Friday night at Margie Wright Diamond.
Taryn Irigoyen led the Bulldogs at the plate going 3-for-4 with one RBI. Key-Annah Campbell-Pu'a and Serayah Neiss saw time in the circle. Neiss went the distance, pitching 4.0 innings with a season-high eight strikeouts, improving to 13-5 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first inning, New Mexico took the lead in the second, scoring one run on one hit.
In the bottom of the third inning, Fresno State took the lead. Alyssa Orr led off with a single through the left side, but was forced out at second when Natalie Elias reached on a fielder's choice. Taryn Irigoyen reached on an error by the second baseman, advancing to third while Elias scored the first run of the inning. Lauren Almeida followed with an RBI single to right field, driving in Irigoyen for the second run, giving Fresno State a 2-1 lead.
Fresno State erupted for four runs on four hits in the next inning. After the first batter was retired Kiara Sipe drew a walk and Alyssa Ramirez singled, advancing her to third. Orr followed with a clutch triple to right field, bringing in both runners. Elias had an RBI ground out to second, scoring Orr from third. Kennedy Bunker worked a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Irigoyen then delivered an RBI single to shortstop, scoring Bunker, and later advanced to second on another wild pitch. Almeida kept the rally going with a single to center, moving to second on the throw while Irigoyen took third. The Bulldogs took a 6-1 lead.
New Mexico responded with a run in the fifth. Then tried to make a comeback in the top of seventh. Three straight singles to start the inning plated a run. Neiss then delivered back-to-back strikeouts. The next batter hit an RBI single, cutting the Bulldogs' lead to two. Fresno State's defense fielded the final out to secure the win, 6-4.
UP NEXT
Fresno State and New Mexico will play the series finale tomorrow at Noon at Margie Wright Diamond. The team will celebrate Senior Day before first pitch.