March 13, 2014
San Jose, Calif. - A four-run fifth inning and a two-hit complete game outing by Katelyn Linford led the San José State University softball team to a 4-2 non-conference win over New Mexico State on Thursday.
The Spartans (12-11) began the fifth inning down to the Aggies (15-11), 2-0.
With runners on second and third, Jessica Garcia knocked a stand-up double just short of the left field fence, plating Devin Caldwell and Casey Watt to knot the game, 2-2. After Jessie Hufstetler walked, Erin Rodriguez hit a double to center field, scoring Garcia from second. Sharon-Renae Estrada followed by collecting an RBI of her own on a sacrifice fly to left field, allowing Hufstetler to get the final 4-2 run.
Linford earned the complete game win to improve her record to 4-5. She allowed two hits and one earned run. She faced just four batters over the minimum and struck out an Aggie in each of the first five innings.
On the day, Estrada was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with an RBI. Garcia had a 1-for-2 outing, scoring one run and driving in two runners.
San José State faces cross-town rivals Santa Clara at SCU Softball Field tomorrow, March 14, for a 5:00 p.m. matchup.
San Jose State 4, New Mexico State 2 (Mar 13, 2014 at San Jose, Calif.)
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New Mexico State.... 200 000 0 - 2 2 1 (15-11)
San Jose State...... 000 040 X - 4 7 1 (12-11)
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Pitchers: New Mexico State - McAdams, Makayla; Donisthorpe, Karysta(5) and Ruiz, Alyssa.
San Jose State - Linford, Katelyn and Garcia, Jessica.
Win-LINFORD, Katelyn(4-5) Loss-Donisthorpe, Karysta(5-6)