March 20, 2015
San Jose, Calif. - Juniors Alyssa Martinez and Jessie Hufstetler led an 11-hit attack as the San José State softball team opened 2015 Mountain West action with a run-rule win over the Boise State Broncos on Friday afternoon on SJSU Field.
The two combined for six hits and five RBI in seven at-bats in the Spartans six-inning, 9-1 win in the home opener.
After the Broncos scored a run off San José State starter Allison Lang in the top of the first, the Spartans (20-11, 1-0 MW) wasted no time replying with a crooked number of their own.
In the bottom of the first and runners on first and second, Hufstetler (4-for-4, 3 R, 2 RBI) roped a bases-clearing double to the gap in right center and advanced to third on a throwing error. Two batters later Martinez grounded into a double play, but Hufstetler scored and the Spartans led 3-1 after one.
In the Boise State third, the Broncos (8-23, 0-1 MW) loaded the bases on a leadoff walk and a pair of singles. Lang then got a gift of a double play. The next batter lined out to Martinez at short, and with her momentum taking her toward the bag, doubled off the runner at second. Lang then induced a comebacker to escape a bases-loaded no outs jam.
In the bottom of the inning the Spartans added four more runs. Hufstetler led off with her second double to the gap, this time to left field. Two batters later Martinez (2-for-3, 3 RBI, R) doubled to left plating Hufstetler. Two batters after Martinez, with the bases loaded, Taylor Purdy (1-for-3, RBI) singled to left to drive in a run. However, a misplay on the ball by the leftfielder allowed two more runs to score and the Spartans led 7-1.
With the six run lead, Spartans head coach Peter Turner lifted Lang for Katelyn Linford.
"Allie wasn't real sharp today," Turner said. "I felt we had enough offense to protect the lead. So, knowing I'm going to go back to her later this series, I brought in Linford. She gave up one hit and walked a couple, which I was not happy about, but it was a good step forward for her."
San José State put the game away in the sixth. Hufstetler led off with a single and Sharon-Renae Estrada followed with a double. Martinez finished it off with a bases-clearing double down the left field line.
In tossing 3.0 innings, Linford picked up her third win of the year. Michelle Cox, Jessica Madrid, Estrada, Purdy and Nicole Schultz each contributed a hit to the offensive effort.
Mackenzie McGill (3-5) started for Boise State and allowed five hits and seven runs in the loss. Devon Bridges had two of the Broncos three hits.
The teams return to SJSU Field on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
San Jose State 9, Boise State 1 (Mar 20, 2015 at San Jose, Calif.)------------------------------ ------------------------------ ----------Boise State......... 100 000 - 1 3 2 (8-23, 0-1)San Jose State...... 304 002 - 9 11 2 (20-11, 1-0)------------------------------ ------------------------------ ----------Pitchers: Boise State - McGILL, M.; RODRIGUEZ, R(3) and TORREZ, H..San Jose State - Lang, Allison; LINFORD, Katelyn(4) and Entzminger, Emma.Win-LINFORD, Katelyn(3-3) Loss-McGILL, M.(3-5) T-2:03 A-135
McGILL, M. faced 4 batters in the 3rd.
RODRIGUEZ, R faced 3 batters in the 6th.