By Niles Hall | (@n23hall) — Spear Reporter | Shay McDowell on first base vs. Nevada on April 12. (Photo by Abby Westrope – Spear Photographer)
SJSU softball’s season finale ended dramatically after the San Diego State Aztecs rallied to score two runs in the final inning to walk off the Spartans.
This rally began when sophomore infielder Jazmin Williams doubled down the right field line. The following at bat, junior utility player Angie Yellen hit an RBI single down the right field line, Williams advanced home off a Spartan’s throwing error.
The winning run was scored when senior infielder Kate Farren pinch ran for Yellen. Farren advanced to second on a wild pitch, and then senior catcher Cali Decker hit an RBI single to right field. Farren was waved home with a beautiful dive to home plate, avoiding SJSU catcher Sarah Deplitch.
“Just a heartbreaker loss today,” said SJSU head coach Tammy Lohmann.
This win is the Aztecs’ 17th consecutive win against the Spartans.
The Aztecs took early momentum in this game, coming away with a 2-0 lead with runs scored in the first and second innings.
SJSU Junior infielder Ahmiya Noriega responded to the Aztecs’ 2-0 start in the third inning by hitting a solo home run to left field. This was Noriega’s second home run of the season.
In the following inning, SJSU senior outfielder Aubrie Thomas was walked, then SJSU junior infielder Shay McDowell hit her second home run of the season on a shot to left field.
On Saturday afternoon, the Spartans lacked consistency from the pitchers, emptying their bullpen and using all five rostered pitchers.
Senior right-handed pitcher Lacie Ham made the start, allowed three hits and three runs early, and was pulled in the second inning.
Three of the five pitchers who pitched allowed a run for the Spartans.
The Spartans found the most consistency in their pitching with Sophomore Ava Conti. Conti pitched two innings, allowing no runs or hits and recording all two Spartans’ strikeouts.
The Spartans begin the Mountain West Tournament on Wednesday at 6 p.m. against Fresno State in San Diego.
