A big fourth inning, which saw CSUF collect eight runs, proved to be the difference as the Titans defeated Dartmouth, 9-1, by mercy rule on Wednesday night.
Pitcher Sophie Frost collected the win for the Titans, pushing her record to 9-4 on the season. The right-hander would pitch four innings, giving up one run on two hits and struck out four.
The eight-run fourth inning saw 11 Titans come to the plate, as they collected six hits and stole two bases.
Third baseman Ari Williams would score two runs for the Titans, as she collected an RBI on the game. Williams would also reach the double-digit mark in steals on the season as she picked up a pair.
“I’m always looking to help the team. I feel like big numbers are awesome and great when they come but ultimately I’m just trying to help my team get the win,” Williams said.
Dartmouth got the scoring started early as catcher Schae Nelson hit a homerun in the top of the first inning off of Frost.
The Titans would threaten early as second baseman Alexa Neil would get a leadoff double into center field before reaching third base on a wild pitch by Dartmouth pitcher Shelby Wilkison.
A threat was all the Titans would be able to muster as they went down in order after Neil’s leadoff double.
Frost would get into some trouble in the top of the second after Micah Schroder hit a double to left field, which was followed by a strike out of Tatyanah Castillo.
As the bottom of the fourth inning came around, the Titans appeared to be the more threatening team as eight Dartmouth batters had been retired in a row for Frost.
Mid 3 | Some more outside corner paint from @SophiaIsabellaa to end the third! ?????? pic.twitter.com/divO9GgpEU
— Titans Softball (@Fullerton_SB) March 21, 2019
Frost would continue her dominance into her final inning in the circle, as she would retire eight straight Dartmouth hitters.
“I want to get back in the dugout as soon as I can so my offense can do the job,” Frost said.
Fullerton got runners on first and second courtesy of a leadoff infield single from Sam Kennedy and a walk for Rodriguez.
Pinch-hitter Zoe Richard would break up the tie when she hit a double down the right field line to score Kennedy, which would be the final batter Wilkison would face.
Wilkison’s night would end as she pitched 3.1 innings, giving up seven runs on six hits, and striking out three while issuing three walks.
Dartmouth pitcher Madie Augusto would come on in relief of Wilkison.
Augusto would get the final two outs of the inning, but would give up two runs on two hits and walked one Titan.
Pitcher Taylor Dockins would come in relief in the top of the fifth inning, and would keep the mercy rule in effect, as she would strike out one and give up a walk in the final inning.
The Titans will hit the road this weekend as they’ll face Loyola Marymount in a three-game series that will start with a doubleheader today. First pitch of the first game is scheduled for 12 p.m.
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