By Luke Johnson:
Katelyn Linford’s pitching and Madison Aurin’s hitting was all host San Jose State needed for a 3-1 win over the Boise State Broncos.
The Spartans’ (27-14, 7-5 MW) three runs were provided by Aurin’s bomb over the left-field fence in the fourth inning.
“Madison has been slumping in terms of getting RBI production and getting big hits with people on base, so it was really good to see her get uncorked,” said SJSU head coach Peter Turner. “We need more of that from her as we progress in these last (few) games. We need her to come alive or we’re not going to get where we need to get. And we play to win championships.”
Their victory Saturday afternoon capped a three-game sweep against the Broncos (24-15, 6-9). SJSU now sits in second place — behind Utah State (10-4) — in the Mountain West Conference with 12 games left to play.
“That’s a really big confidence booster for us,” Aurin said. “Team by team: we put them in our rearview mirror and just go for that ring.”
Linford had a perfect game on the mound through four innings, but it was broken up by a drag bunt from outfielder Cassidy Edwards. It was a close call at first base that the Spartans feel the umpire missed.
“[What I was] thinking was, ‘Who said she had a perfect game and blew it for us?’” Turner said jokingly. “Honestly, I thought Emma (Entzminger) made a great play on the bunt and I thought she was out.”
Aurin, who played first base Saturday, said Edwards was out “by two steps.” Edwards would be the Broncos’ lone run — scoring on a wild pitch. Linford struckout three batters and allowed three hits in her 14th complete game of the season.
Yet again, the pitching can take the credit for the win as the Spartan offense managed just four hits off the Boise State staff — three of which came in the fourth inning.
Freshmen Cassidy Clark and Georgia Blair continue to lead SJSU in hitting, each picking up a hit today.
SJSU heads to rival territory at Fresno State (25-17 ,5-6 MW) next weekend, and Turner said he hopes to get revenge because the Bulldogs clinched the Mountain West Championship on SJSU’s turf last year.
“We have a huge disliking for Fresno State — if you don’t know,” Turner said. “We love nothing more than to beat them at their house.”
First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, April 21.