By Sara Biela — Executive Editor
Infielders Arianna Miranda and Cassidy Clark drove home four runs in the sixth inning and secured a San Jose State softball (8-5) comeback victory over the University of Montana, 4-2.
The freshman and junior went back-to-back with 2-RBI hits that tied the game, then eventually gave the Spartans the lead in their last at-bats.
“I was just trying to keep it simple and not try to do too much — just stay on top of the ball and find a hole,” Clark said. “It felt really good after to see my teammates cheering for me.”
Back in the second inning, the Grizzlies (3-11) struck first with two runs against senior pitcher Madison Aurin. Outfielder Katie Pippel singled to right center and drove home infielder Maygen McGrath.
Two batters later, catcher Jessica McAlister would come in to score as an unearned run off infielder Kylie Becker’s RBI single.
Up until the sixth inning, SJSU had a difficult time finding a spark at the plate with runners on base. The team left a total of nine runners on the field.
“We’ve been struggling with getting timely hits all year,” head coach Peter Turner said. “They didn’t make a big play in the outfield and we took advantage of the opportunities we had — and we didn’t have that many.”
On an 0-2 count with bases loaded and two outs, Miranda blooped a double into left field and tied the game at 2 in the sixth.
Shortly after, Clark did her part and gave the Spartans the 4-2 lead with a single to right field that scored junior outfielder Makayla Englestad and Miranda.
Sophomore pitcher Caroline Bowman (4-2) was credited with the win after relieving Aurin and throwing 2.1 scoreless innings.
“I wanted to come in and keep them tamed,” Bowman said. “I just wanted to keep the runs at minimum. I knew my hitters could do their job and they did.”
The Spartans will go for the tournament sweep Sunday at 11:30 a.m. against CSU Bakersfield.
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