California State University at Northridge
16-10, 0-3
Cal Poly
13-9, 3-0
CSUN Finishes Weekend Series with a 2-0 Loss to Cal Poly
3/17/2024 4:46:00 PM | Softball
NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—CSUN dropped its final game against Cal Poly 2-0 at Matador Diamond on Sunday afternoon. Lulu Sanchez and Alexa Landeros led the way for the Matadors with two hits each.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Matadors' and Mustangs' pitching staff started strong as neither team gave up a run in the first two innings. Cal Poly built a bit of momentum with runners on base in the top of the second inning, but Vinessa Nunez shut the Mustangs down with a jumping catch to close the half. CSUN then threatened to score as Landeros and Makenzie San Pedro both made it on base in the bottom of the second but were unable to make it home. The Mustangs were the first to score as a sacrifice fly out to center field brought in a run. The Matadors threatened once more at the bottom of the fourth as Landeros reached base again, but CSUN couldn't bring her in. Isabella Alonso kept control, holding the Mustangs to one run through the fifth inning to give CSUN a chance to catch up.
The Matadors continued to fight in the bottom of the fifth as Nunez made it to first on a Mustang error. However, CSUN lost a base runner when Kennedy Gustin was ruled for leaving too early. One hit by pitch, a single by Sanchez, a walk for Mikayla Carman, and the Matadors had the bases loaded. Kaylee Escutia stepped up to bat next but was unable to bring anyone in as she was the third out. Both pitchers held strong as the score stayed the same through the sixth inning. Cal Poly scored again in the top of the seventh as the Matadors gave up a run with a walk with the bases loaded. It would be the most CSUN would allow as the half closed shortly after. The Matadors refused to fold as they threatened once more in the bottom of the seventh. Nunez made it on base once more as she capitalized on another Mustang throwing error. She was followed by a walk from Sanchez and a single from Carman. Jerzie Liana would have a chance with the bases loaded, but she grounded into a fielder's choice for the final out of the inning as Cal Poly took its third win.
NOTES OF THE GAME
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CSUN's overall record is 16-10 and its Big West record is 0-3. Cal Poly improved to 12-9 overall and 3-0 in conference.
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Isabella Alonso collected another complete game, her sixth of the season. She finished with three strikeouts and allowed six hits with two runs.
ACCORDING TO HEAD COACH CHARLOTTE MORGAN
"We got to be able to handle hard, handle it better. We got to lean in, lean into each other, and just keep getting better in all aspects. Conference isn't won in a weekend, but we've got to really learn from this weekend and keep getting better."
UP NEXT
The Matadors hit the road for their next three-game series against Hawai'i. The first game will be on Friday, Mar. 22, at 9 p.m. PT at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
#GoMatadors
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Sophia, Ramuno (4-4)
L: Alonso, Isabella (7-4)
Batting:
2B: Barnett, Julia 1
RBI: Sargent, Juju 2
SH: Diaz, Xiara 1 ; Litana, Kenny 1 ; Mah, Malia 1
SF: Sargent, Juju 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Allman, Caroline 1 ; Martinez, Sehren 1
HBP: Diaz, Xiara 1 ; Mah, Malia 1
Base Running:
HBP: Whatman, Shaylan 2
