April 27, 2014
Reno, Nev. - A pair of home runs helped the San José State University softball team to a 4-2 eight-inning Mountain West victory, and 2-1 series win, over the University of Nevada on Sunday.
In the Mountain West Conference standings, the Spartans (27-21, 10-8 MW) remain in sixth place.
After three scoreless innings, Alyssa Martinez led off the fourth for the Spartans in a big way. She rocketed her first career homer to left center for the 1-0 lead.
In each game of the Nevada series, a Spartan launched her first career homer.
San José State built on its lead in the sixth frame. Jessie Hufstetler got on third after a double and sacrifice bunt by Sharon-Renae Estrada. In the follow at bat, Erin Rodriguez knocked the ball to left center, plating Hufstetler for the 2-0 score.
But the Wolf Pack (22-24, 4-14 MW) forced the game into extra innings with a seventh-inning rally. Megan Sweet sent the ball in to left center, pushing two across and knotting the score, 2-2.
In the eighth inning, however, the Spartans were able to get the victory, thanks to their top hitter, Jessie Hufstetler. Following a Taylor Purdy leadoff single, Hufstetler blasted the ball past the right center fence for the two-run long ball and the final 4-2 San José State win.
Katelyn Linford (9-11) fanned five batters in the complete game win. She scattered eight hits and walked two, allowing two runs.
The Spartans posted double-digit hits for the 19th time this season, one game away from the school record of 20 games with 10-or-more hits, set in 2010.
San José State hosts San Diego State for its final home Mountain West series, opening the three-game set Friday, May 2 at 3:00 p.m.