BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Junior first baseman Amy Ricciardi (Chino Hills, Calif., Ayala HS) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, including a clutch
two-run single, to help the CSU Bakersfield softball team defeat Cal Poly in
game one of a doubleheader on Sunday at Roadrunner Softball Complex.
The Mustangs (10-17-1) rallied back in game two to down CSUB
2-0.
CSUB pitcher Kelsie
Monroe (So., Los Banos, Calif., Delta College) was outstanding in the circle
for CSUB (3-16), throwing over 12 innings and picking up a win. She totaled 10
scoreless innings and struck out seven.
Ricciardi's two-run
single came in the third inning, which all started with a one-out single by
junior shortstop Shay Fryer (San Diego, Calif., University HS). Freshman
designated player Makenzie Zinger (Vasalia, Calif, Redwood HS) then walked and
advanced Fryer to second. Both 'Runners then moved up on a wild pitch, setting
the scene for Ricciardi's single up the middle to drive them both in and put
CSUB up 3-0.
After Cal Poly scored one run in the top of the fifth
inning, CSUB got it back in the bottom of the frame. Zinger reached on an error
to start things off and was replaced by pinch hitter Jazmine Irvin (Jr.,
Bakersfield, Calif., Bakersfield College). In her second hit of the game, Ricciardi
singled to left field to move Irvin to second base. Sophomore third baseman
Madison Bundy (Anacortes, Wash., Oregon State) then hit an RBI single to score
Irvin to increase CSUB's lead to 4-3. The score turned out to be the
game-winning run.
The Mustangs battled back in the top of the seventh inning,
but Monroe was able to escape the jam with two runners left on base and earn
her third win of the season. She gave up two earned runs on five hits with two
walks and two strikeouts in the complete-game effort.
Bundy went 1-for-2 in game one with one RBI and one run
scored, while freshman center fielder Sydney Raeber (Hanford, Calif., Hanford
HS) went 2-for-4 with a double and sophomore second baseman Adrianna Cardoza (Santa
Anna., Calif., La Quinta HS) added an RBI. The 'Runners outhit the Mustangs 9-5
in the game.
In game two, freshman
pitcher Amber Mills (Fresno, Calif., Clovis West HS) had a tough start and gave
up two runs in the second inning before Monroe entered in relief and tossed
five scoreless innings.
Fryer led the offense with two of CSUB's four hits. The 'Runners
got a two-out rally in the sixth when Fryer and Zinger got back-to-back
singles, but they weren't able to capitalize.
CSUB now heads into Pacific Coast Softball Conference play
as it will host Loyola Marymount for a four-game series with doubleheaders on
Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. Action will start at noon both days at
Roadrunner Softball Complex.
~www.GoRunners.com~
