After getting swept on the road over the weekend, the Diamond ‘Dogs dominated California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) 17-1 at Bob Bennett Stadium on May 6.
In total, Fresno State hit five home runs, 21 hits and scored 17 runs. The Bulldogs’ five home runs was the most the team has hit in a game since May of 2023.
“We had a rough weekend in Nevada, so good bounce back game for us,” said catcher Justin Stransky. “Definitely got some frustrations out from the weekend.”
Stransky went 3-for-4 with a walk, two home runs and led the team with 4 RBIs. Right fielder Bobby Blandford, first baseman Griffen Sotomayor and second baseman Eddie Saldivar also hit homers.
What happened
In the bottom of the first inning, Sotomayor homered to center field, starting the ‘Dogs off strong.
The ‘Dogs tallied three more runs off a Stransky RBI single and a Cam Schneider double down the left field line that scored two runs.
“It was huge to, most importantly, to get a play in the right way,” Overland said. “To come back, take care of, you know, the right things today [and] get us back on the right track.”
In the top of the second inning, CSUB’s third baseman Noah Alvarez made it home, cutting into Fresno State’s lead, 4-1.
With his second hit of the night, third baseman Murf Gray doubled down the left field line, scoring Saldivar and Sotomayor in the bottom of the second inning.
Blandford then doubled through the left side as Gray scored. Stransky drove the ‘Dogs up 9-1 off a two-run home run to right field.
In the bottom of the third inning, the bats continued to heat up with three home runs in the inning. Saldivar homered down the right field line, a two-run shot and his first home run of the year, making the score 11-1.
Then, Blandford hit a two-run home run to right field.
Stransky followed with his second home run of the game, his second multi-home run game of the season, putting the ‘Dogs up 14-1.
Overland touched on Stransky’s recent nomination for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award Midseason Watch List.
“I think he’s really had a phenomenal year,” Overland said. “It’s a different deal to have the gear on and catching the pitches, blocking balls and still taking good at bats and driving in runs.”
But the Diamond ‘Dogs weren’t done scoring after their five run third inning. The ‘Dogs tacked on three more insurance runs in the following innings, taking a 16 run lead into the ninth inning.
Pitcher JT Guerrero took the mound to end the game, closing out a 17-1 victory.
What’s Next
Fresno State is in a three-way tie for first place in the Mountain West standings, tied with the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of New Mexico, all with conference records of 15-9.
The Diamond ‘Dogs will play their final home series against San Jose State University next at Bob Bennett Stadium starting on May 9.
