After playing at California State University, Fresno over the weekend, San Diego State softball continued its road trip this week against the University of Nevada, Reno. While snow in Reno delayed the games, it couldn’t slow down the Aztecs’ offense in their series sweep of the Nevada Wolf Pack.
In the opener on Tuesday, sophomore outfielder Sydnee Cable gave the Aztecs an early lead with her line-drive two-run homer in the top of the first. Sophomore pitcher Erica Romero then helped to preserve that lead, pitching the Aztecs out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the second.
However, the Wolf Pack wouldn’t go down easily. After the end of a two-hour snow delay which had stopped the game, Nevada rallied and took the lead on a three-run homer. The Aztecs, though, were able to retake the lead in the fourth, scoring three runs of their own.
SDSU started the rally with some “small ball.” After singling, junior utility player Leia Ruiz
advanced to third on a bunt from junior shortstop Samantha Camello. Ruiz then scored on
sacrifice fly by senior outfielder Kayla Jordan.
The Aztecs then finished the inning off with the “long ball.” Redshirt senior utility player Lorena Bauer hit another two-run homer, her 11th on the year.
Used to playing in San Diego, Bauer and her teammates aren’t accustomed to snow, but they didn’t let it affect their play on the field.
“It was pretty different for us,” Bauer said. “We were pulled off of the field really quick. We
couldn’t really see because the snow was pretty brutal at one point, but as soon as we got back to the field everyone was ready to go.”
Despite the snow delay, SDSU held on to win 9-6.
In the first game of the doubleheader on Wednesday, the Aztecs were forced to battle back from an early 3-1 deficit. However, SDSU proved that they had more than enough offense to come from behind. The team scored nine runs in the fourth inning and combined for 12 hits, six doubles and a home run in the five-inning 14-3 victory.
“Everyone was getting the job done and knew what they needed to do,” Bauer said. “We were
being aggressive and getting hits. It was contagious.”
In the afternoon game, SDSU continued its impressive offensive performance. The Aztecs took
an early lead in the third inning, scoring three runs on three consecutive singles. SDSU then
added insurance runs, scoring in the fourth, sixth and seventh innings. SDSU combined for 12 hits and Romero, who came on in relief, picked up her second win of the day as the Aztecs won 9-7.
This weekend the Aztecs come home to play San Jose State University in an important series in
their Mountain West schedule. Although SDSU presumably won’t have to deal with bad weather, they know they will face a difficult opponent on the field.
“After Fresno, San Jose State is probably our biggest competition in the conference,” Bauer said. “(But) we have scouting reports on all their pitchers, all their hitters. We know what to expect and we are really looking forward to next weekend.”
The Spartans are currently third in the MW standings, behind SDSU and second-place Fresno State.
The Aztecs — who hope to continue hitting and winning conference games — are set to play the
Spartans this Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
