The SF State softball team battled the UC San Diego Tritons in the first series of a weekend doubleheader on a cloudy afternoon. The Gators took game one of Friday’s doubleheader, 2-0, behind a two-hit shutout by starting pitcher Megan Clark. The Tritons capitalized on an abundance of Gators’ errors to come back and win game two.
Clark had a busy afternoon. She pitched the entire first game and took over in the third inning of the second game. Clark ended the day pitching 11 and one-third innings, with five strikeouts and only two earned runs.
Jennifer Lewis and Kayli Shaw provided the two runs in a low score, slow-paced first game.
“Speed was definitely a factor,” Shaw said. “Pitches were slower, causing a lot of ground balls.”
Shaw finished the day with a strong offensive performance, going 4-for-5 with two RBI.
Game two wasn’t as clean as game one for the Gators, as they blew a 5-1 lead in the second game and the Tritons capitalized on three errors committed by SF State.
slides into third base against SF State Gators infielder Jennifer Lewis (7) during the first game of a doubleheader at the SFSU softball field Friday, Apr.8. Gator won 2-0. (Qing Huang / Xpress)
The Tritons struck first in the game, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but the Gators answered in the bottom half of the inning with four runs scored, including a three-run home run by catcher Angelica Terrel.
The Gators extended their lead in the second with a solo home run by left fielder Chelsea Brent.
Sophomore Lindsey Cassidy had the start in the second game, but was pulled with two outs in the second inning after giving up two runs. Clark took over and tried to stop a Triton comeback, but a two-run fifth inning tied the game at 5.
Even though the Gators continued to get on base, they were unable to score as the Tritons defense clamped down. The Tritons were able to score on two of three errors the Gators committed, and completed the comeback with a score in the seventh on a wild throw to first by third base player Gabby Reta.
Coach Allen was pleased with Clark’s strong performance in both games, but disappointed with the defense in the second game.
UC San Diego Tritons outfielder Caitlyn Weisner (25) during the first game of a doubleheader at the SFSU softball field Friday, Apr.8. Gator won 2-0. (Qing Huang / Xpress)
“Megan was on point, she got us good results,” Allen said. “We were hitting the ball hard all day. Pitchers were unable to put pitches in the corners and defense couldn’t defend.
Clark said the team was “trying to be the hero” as the Gators tried to extend the lead and score the game-winning run.
“We didn’t do the little things well,” Clark said.
Allen said the offense needs to maintain its momentum, while the defense needs to adjust for tomorrow’s games.
The Gators continue their series against the Tritons tomorrow with another doubleheader at the SF State Softball field at 11 a.m.
