The Fresno State softball team began its season 4-1 at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz.
After beginning the tournament with back-to-back wins, the ‘Dogs faltered against Ole Miss in their third game, and finished up the tournament by winning the last two game on their schedule.
Fresno State vs. Fordham
Fresno State scored a run when center fielder Brenna Moss scored on a single from catcher Paige Gumz. Michelle Solomon followed that up with a home run over the left-field fence in the third. Fresno State kept rolling with five runs in the fifth, including another homer by Solomon, to put the ‘Dogs up 7-0.
Junior pitcher Jill Compton made the start for the ‘Dogs, giving up just two hits to the Rams and recording three strikeouts against 12 batters faced. The ‘Dogs never relented and ended up winning the game 8-0.
Fresno State vs. Portland State
In the second game, the ‘Dogs were able to keep the energy up and pull out another win against the Vikings. The highlight of the game came early, when senior Taylor Green hit a double with the bases loaded in the first to help put the ‘Dogs up early.
After scoring another run in the second inning, the score remained at 2-0 until the ‘Dogs gave up an unearned run in the seventh leaving the final score at 6-1.
“It’s a great way to start this season with a bang,” Fresno State head coach Trisha Ford said. “I think offensively we came out ready to go, and our pitchers came and battled through and did a great job.”
Fresno State vs. Ole Miss
After their strong start, the ‘Dogs dropped their first and only loss of the season 4-0 to the Rebels. Fresno State missed opportunities early, stranded five runners on base in the first two innings, and ended up being shut out by Rebel pitcher Emily Gaitan, who earned five strikeouts. Fresno State recorded only four hits in the game.
Ole Miss registered four hits and four runs against Compton (1-1), three of which were earned. Compton struck out nine batters in the game.
Fresno State vs. Cal State Northridge
Hannah Harris was the ‘Dogs’ starting pitcher and threw four scoreless innings. She left the game with a 1-0 lead after a sacrifice fly by Whitney Smith that brought in Solomon for the first run.
After scoring another run off a wild pitch, Cal State Northridge tied it up with two runs in the top of the sixth inning.
In the top of the eighth, Compton allowed a single but didn’t allow a run. A Cal State Northridge throwing error brought Moss home to give the ‘Dogs the crucial run to end the game at 3-2.
Fresno State vs. University of San Diego Toreros
Freshman first baseman Chase LeeHong led the ‘Dogs with two hits and two RBIs to help them go on to win 10-2.
Compton made her fourth start in the circle for Fresno State registering four strikeouts in 4.1 innings before Kiley Shae Aldridge made her appearance to close out the fifth inning.
Key contributions came all around for the ‘Dogs. Six different players recorded an RBI, with LeeHong and Smith leading the team with two RBIs apiece.
The ‘Dogs will host Santa Clara in their home opener on Friday, Feb. 13 at Margie Wright Diamond.