SARATOGA, Calif. - In an offensive explosion that included a five-run seventh inning, the CSU Bakersfield softball team recorded an 8-2 victory of Game 2 of a doubleheader against Pacific Coast Softball Conference foe Santa Clara on Saturday after falling in Game 1, 8-5, at West Valley College.
Sophomore designated player Karissa Veiga (Hemet, Calif., Hemet HS) went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored, while sophomore second baseman Amy Ricciardi (Chino Hills, Calif., Ayala HS) went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to make up a big portion of CSUB's offense in Game 2.
With Game 2 tied 1-1 after five innings, CSUB (12-38, 5-13 PCSC) turned it on with two runs in the sixth and another five in the seventh to earn the victory. The seventh-inning explosion featured a two-run single from junior left fielder Karlee Rodgers (Clovis, Calif., Clovis West), a one-run single from Veiga and a two-run single by Ricciardi.
Sophomore Marissa Hiller (Cypress, Calif., Cypress HS) came up with another fine performance for CSUB, going a comploete seven innings, only giving up two runs on four hits with one walk while striking out three. Redshirt junior center fielder Laura King (Camarillo, Calif., UNVL) went 3-for-4 and Rodgers went 1-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
In Game 1, CSUB jumped out to a 5-2 lead after two and a half innings. Ricciardi got the scoring started with a solo home run in the first inning. The long ball was her sixth of the season, which leads the team. The 'Runners added more in second inning when freshman right fielder Bree Sandoval (La Verne, Calif., Bonita HS) hit an RBI single and then Ricciardi drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in a run. Senior first baseman Sara Smith (Northridge, Calif., Biola Univ.) then got hit by a pitch, for the 18th time this season, and drove in another run to make it 4-2 after two innings.
King then hit an RBI single in the third inning to put CSUB up 5-2. Santa Clara (10-41, 4-14 PCSC) then ralied to score three runs in the fourth, one in the fifth and two more in the sixth to seal the 8-5 victory.
Ricciardi finished the day with five RBIs, three hits and three runs scored.
CSUB will be back in action against Santa Clara on Sunday for another doubleheader beginning at noon. The games will be the season finales for both teams.
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