SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — The California State University San Bernardino softball team split its doubleheader against the Chico State Wildcats on Friday afternoon at CSUSB Softball Park.
CSUSB defeated the Wildcats 3-2 in game one before falling 9-5 in game two.
With the split, the Coyotes move to 13-13 and 5-5 in CCAA play.
Game 1: CSUSB 3, Chico State 2
Chico State struck first with a pair of runs in the top of the opening inning and threatened for more before CSUSB worked out of the jam with a key double play. The Coyotes looked to answer in the bottom half, putting two runners on base, but were unable to capitalize.
CSUSB responded in the second inning as senior Brooke Brazill (Clovis, Calif.) led off with a single and junior Isabella Venegas (Upland, Calif.) followed with a four-pitch walk. Later, senior Sarah Moite (Fresno, Calif.) reached on a fielding error that allowed the first run to score, and later, with two outs, Katie Griego (Rialto, Calif.) reached on another Wildcat miscue that brought home two more runs, with the Coyotes taking a 3-2 lead.
From there, the game settled into a pitcher's duel, with both teams creating opportunities but both were unable to break through. CSUSB's defense came up big again in the sixth inning, turning another double play as Mia Escujuri (Chino Hills, Calif.) made a heads-up play at third base and fired to first baseman Iris Bejarano (Salinas, Calif.) to help the Coyotes escape the inning.
Chico State mounted one final threat in the top of the seventh, loading the bases with two outs, but a flyout to center field secured the victory for CSUSB.
Senior Ashley Legler (San Diego, Calif.) was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete game and holding Chico State scoreless over the final six innings to improve to 9-4 on the season.
Brazill led the Coyotes at the plate with two hits, marking her fifth multi-hit performance of the year.
Game 2: Chico State 9, CSUSB 5
Chico State jumped out to an early lead once again, scoring two runs in the top of the first before adding four more in the third to take a 6-0 advantage.
CSUSB got on the board behind an RBI single from Isabella Venegas (Upland, Calif.) in the bottom of the third, and continued to battle until they broke through in the fifth inning, erupting for three runs. Venegas delivered her second RBI single of the game, and sophomore Iliana Mejia (Beaumont, Calif.) followed with a two-run double to cut into the deficit.
Escujuri later drove in a run to trim the Wildcats' lead to 7-5, putting the pressure on late. CSUSB threatened in the final inning, loading the bases with one out, but back-to-back foul outs ended the rally.
Venegas and Griego led the Coyotes with two hits apiece, while Mejia and Venegas each recorded two RBIs.
In the circle, sophomore Ava Paquin (Fullerton, Calif.) took the loss after allowing six earned runs in 2.2 innings. Redshirt sophomore Tara Skinner (Menifee, Calif.) was strong in relief, tossing 4.1 innings while allowing just one earned run and striking out four.
CSUSB and Chico State conclude the series tomorrow with a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is slated for 11 a.m.
#GoYotes
