By Niles Hall (@n23hall) – Senior Aubrie Thomas stands in the batter box against during SJSU’s 3-1 win over Cal on April 8. (Photo by Abby Westrope- Spear Photographer)
San Jose State softball (22-28, 9-14 MW) was shut out losing 2-0 to rival Fresno State (34-18, 15-7 MW) in the opening round of the Mountain West playoffs.
This game mirrored other Spartan losses throughout this season. Having a strong defensive performance but an inability to capitalize on offensive opportunities.
This was the Spartans seventh time getting shut out this season.
The Spartans failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunity in the fifth inning.
Senior infielder Taylor Squires led off with a single to center. Freshman infielder Taylor Chillingworth followed with a sacrifice bunt, advancing Squires to second and senior Jules Ronquillo hit another single to center, moving Squires to third.
With one out and a runner in scoring position the Spartans were on the verge of putting the game’s first point on the board.
But that didn’t faze the Bulldogs, who escaped the jam when freshman catcher Sarah Deplitch grounded into a double play.
The Bulldogs were able to capitalize on their opportunity in the bottom of the 5th inning. Junior outfielder Natalie Elias led off with a single, followed by another single from junior catcher Kennedy Bunker. With two runners on base senior infielder Lauren Almeida stepped up to the plate and delivered a two run RBI to left center. The Bulldogs were up 2-0.
This matchup featured between two of this year’s All-Mountain West first team pitchers.
Fresno State’s junior Serayah Neiss had a clean game pitching the full game earning two strikeouts, allowing five hits.
SJSU senior Mia Reynolds also pitched a full game having two strikeouts and allowing eight hits.
