April 26, 2008

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -

Game One Box Score in PDF Format

Game Two Box Score in PDF Format

Behind a strong performance from senior Mercedes Lovato, the Cal State Northridge softball team (18-22, 7-7) split a Saturday doubleheader with Cal State Fullerton, winning game one, 4-0, before falling despite a late rally, 4-3. Lovato picked up her 15th of the season in game one, scattering five hits while striking out five in 6.1 innings of work.

The Titans, who at 23-23-1 and 7-7 in the Big West Conference remain tied with the Matadors in the standings, did not get a runner past first base on Lovato until the sixth inning. With the win, Lovato tied her total from last season (15-13) and lowered her season ERA to 3.01.

At the plate, sophomore Jaclyn Rymer went 3-for-3 in game one, scoring a pair of runs while driving in one. In the bottom of the second, junior Micah Putnam reached on an error by the Fullerton pitcher and moved to second on a sac bunt by sophomore Alexandria Alvarado. Rymer then laced a sharp double to left-center, bringing Putnam around to score. Rymer then scored during the next at-bat, stealing third and scoring on a throwing error by the Titan catcher on the play.

The Matadors added to their lead in the top of fifth, scoring the final two runs of the game. Rymer led off the inning with a single and moved to second on a pinch-hit sac bunt by freshman Krystal Raphael. Another rookie, Kristen Mihm, then deposited a double down the right-field line, scoring Rymer. After stealing third, Mihm came around to score the game's final run on an RBI single from sophomore Lauren Olivas.

Jessica Doucette picked up the loss for Fullerton, dropping her record to 11-11.

Game two started off on the wrong foot for Northridge. Senior Samantha Schroeder started the game n the circle, but the first six Titan batters all reached, and Fullerton jumped out to a 3-0 lead.

Sophomore Amanda Pitzenberger then replaced Schroeder in the circle and promptly retired the next two hitters, including inducing a double play. Pitzenberger finished tossing seven innings, allowing five hits and only one run while striking out two.

After missing a few opportunities earlier in the game, Northridge came back in the sixth with a pair of runs. Putnam led off the frame with a single to center and scored on an RBI double by Alvarado. After Fullerton replaced starter Christine Hiner with Doucette following Alvarado's hit, she promptly hit Rymer, who then moved to second on a sac bunt by Pitzenberger. Junior Sarah Kahn-Shamout then drove in Alvarado with a sac fly to left field.

The seventh saw both teams' featured sluggers deposit solo home runs to left field, with Fullerton's Kiki Munoz providing the winning run to lead off the top of the frame. Pitzenberger then retired the side in order to set up the seventh.

Junior Amanda Peek the launched her own solo shot into left field to start the Matadors' half. Sophomore Christina Saenz then reached on a bunt single and moved to second following a sac bunt by Putnam. However, Doucette got both Alvarado and Rymer to strikeout looking to end the game.

Hiner earned her 12th win of the season, moving to 12-11, while Schroeder picked up the loss for Northridge, falling to 0-4. Both teams were awarded saves as well, with Pitzenberger earning her seocnd of the season in game one and Doucette earning one in game two.

The Matadors and Titans will meet one more time, playing a single game at noon on Sunday at Matador Diamond.