Errant throw gives 'Dogs 1-0 loss

By Kim Anderson

One run was all it took for San Diego State to claim a win over the Bulldogs in the first round of the Clovis Auto Row Softball Classic on Thursday.

The No. 15 Bulldogs are hosting the Classic, a tournament consisting of seven teams, including two others that are nationally ranked— No. 1 UCLA and No. 25 Oregon State.

Fresno State began play with a 1-0 loss to San Diego State at Bulldog Diamond.

Bree Boyer started off the second inning for the Aztecs with a single down the left-field line followed by a sacrifice from Lacey Craft that advanced Boyer to second.

Bianca Cruz stepped up to the plate and sent a pop-up foul, which was caught by first baseman Shasta Lewis. Boyer then advanced to third base.

In an attempt to catch Boyer at third, Lewis threw the ball too high and out of reach for sophomore third baseman Veronica Green.

After a bounce off of the Bulldog dugout, freshman left fielder Rachel Donaldson threw the ball to home plate. However, freshman catcher Nichole Willis was unable to control the ball and Boyer scored the only run of the game.

The Bulldogs had a scoring opportunity in the fifth inning when bases were loaded with two outs.

Sophomore second baseman Leticia Pacheco began the inning with a single through the left side followed by another single from center fielder Mitzi Ing.

The Bulldogs loaded the bases when Lewis advanced the runners after reaching first base off an Aztec error. Shortstop Christina Clark stepped up to the plate but a ground out to third base ended the inning.

Pitcher Jamie Southern gave up one run on three hits.

The Bulldogs will continue tournament play tonight with games against Long Beach State and North Texas. On Saturday they will face No. 25 Oregon State and Utah, finishing the tournament on Sunday with a game against No. 1 UCLA.