SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose State softball freshman pitcher Jenessa Ullegue struck out nine batters and surrendered just three hits in a dominant complete game shutout performance in the circle to lead the Spartans to a 5-0 victory in game one vs. Utah State Friday evening at the Spartan Softball Complex.
Ullegue (14-4) started hot and remained in the groove from start to finish. She posted six strikeouts through the first four innings of play keeping the Aggie bats at bay and allowing the Spartan offense to find their stride. SJSU first found the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth by way of a sacrifice fly by Makayla Englestad and Alyssa Graham scored on a scoring error with two outs to take a 2-0 lead.
Play was suspended immediately following the run as the umpires determined the Sun was shining too bring in the faces of batters and catcher. The Sun Delay lasted 27 minutes and play resumed as the Sun dipped below the trees in centerfield.
The delay had no effect on the Spartans (30-15, 10-6) as they plated three more runs in the final two innings to close out the contest. Graham doubled to center field to drive home Ullegue in the fifth for the 3-0 advantage. Another double in the sixth inning, this time courtesy of Madison Aurin, brought across another run as Englestad scored from second off a well-struck ball that dropped in shallow right field and got away from the diving fielder. Aurin scored herself one batter later as a fielding error in right allowed her to safely reach home plate.
Utah State (13-26, 4-14) nearly found the scoreboard late as the Aggies put a runner on third with just one out in the seventh inning. Ryan Holmes grounded to third base, but the ball was misplayed and the runner took off for home plate where she was cut down by Rayohna Sagapolu at shortstop for the 5-6-3 putout. The next batter up struck out swinging for the final out to complete the shutout.
The Spartan offense clicked on all cylinders as they tallied 11 hits, including a pair of doubles. Graham led the way at the plate in a perfect 3-for-3 showing with a RBI and run scored. Aurin and Englestad finished with a pair of hits each.
Aggie starter Delaney Hull (9-11) was charged with the loss and was the only pitcher to spend time in the circle for Utah State.
Game two of the series between the Spartans and Aggies begins tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. PT.