SAN BERNARDINO (March 2, 2018) — Junior Morgan Ratliff broke through a season-long slump Friday afternoon, hitting a combined 5-for-7 with two home runs and four RBI as CSUSB earned a split over No. 16 Sonoma State, dropping the first game 9-5 and winning the second 7-4 at Coyote Park.
 
The records
The split puts CSUSB at 11-8 overall and 6-8 in the CCAA, while Sonoma State takes a 14-6, 10-4 slate into Saturday's finale. Fans are advised to follow the Coyotes' web site and social media accounts for weather updates.
 
Game 1: Sonoma State 9, Coyotes 5
Ratliff gave CSUSB a leadoff home run — her first of the season — in the first inning and helped the Coyotes absorb a 3-0 deficit. CSUSB then came back with three runs on three hits to go ahead 4-3 in the third.
 
But SSU answered right back with two runs in the fourth, three in the fifth before earning the victory.
 
Taylor Ancona had three hits and Jessica Brown had two hits. Briana Quintana hit a two-run single in the third.
 
Game 2: Coyotes 7, Sonoma State 4
Dominique Walker and Brown hit back-to-back home runs in the first to tie the game at 3-3 before Ratliff came through with the game's biggest moment.
 
Down 4-3, Ratliff clubbed a three-run home run that bashed the right-field scoreboard and the Coyotes used that momentum for the win.
 
RHP Amanda Ramirez went the distance and struck out two, walked two and allowed seven hits. Just one of her four runs was earned.
 
Freshman Jamiana Gateb added a solo home run — her first on the year — in the fifth.