Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. – The University of Hawai'i softball team (15-20, 3-4 WAC) dropped a heartbreaker to No. 22 Fresno State, 2-1 on a two-out, two-run, walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh. Hawai'i's Stephanie Ricketts (10-7, 2-2 WAC) suffered the loss in a complete game effort at Bulldog Diamond on the campus of Fresno State tonight.

 

In the fourth, both teams had the bases loaded with one out, but both teams were unable to capitalize. The score was 0-0 through the first five innings.

 

The 'Bows were able to manufacture its only run in the top of the sixth. Designated player, Makani Duhaylonsod-Kaleimamahu led the inning off with a single to left. Pinch runner Alex Aguirre then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt executed by Amanda Tauali'i. Clare Warwick then hit a grounder to short and sprinted down the line to beat out the throw. On the play, Aguirre advanced to third, and then scored when the shortstop's throw to first was wild. Fresno State's ace, Morgan Melloh then settled the team down by striking out the last two batters in the inning.

 

Ricketts and the 'Bows' defense went three-up, three-down in the sixth, but in the seventh, the Bulldogs rallied for the win. Fresno State's designated player, Ryane Peterson started the inning by drawing a walk. Ricketts then got Brooke Phipps to fly out in foul territory to rightfield, but number nine batter Mallory Perkins was then hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. A wild pitch allowed both runners to move into scoring position. Both runners stayed when FSU's leadoff batter Haley Perkins grounded out to short for the inning's second out. But Haley Gilleland came through with a clutch, walk-off single to left that scored pinch runners Jody Badorine and Alexis Lujan from second and third respectively for the win.

 

Ricketts gave up two runs on six hits with a walk and three strike outs in 6.2 innings. It was her 15^th complete game of the season.

 

Fresno State's Melloh also threw a complete game, giving up one unearned run on four hits. She walked two and struck out 15.

 

The two teams square off for a series finale doubleheader tomorrow starting at 1:00 at Bulldog Diamond on the campus of Fresno State. 

 

                                                                                                               -UH-