FRESNO, California — The Thunderbirds earned a split on day two with a massive 10-0 win over CSU Bakersfield before being shut out 5-0 by the hosts from Fresno State. The win over the Roadrunners marked the first run-rule victory for the T-Birds this season. The Thunderbirds now sit at 5-13 on the year, with one game left before beginning Western Athletic Conference play next week.
Across today's games, freshman Michaella Salvatierra led the Thunderbirds' offense, going 2-for-7 with two runs, a walk, and two stolen bases, while sophomore Kassidy Munoz contributed 2-for-6 with three RBIs and a double. Junior Alayah Toscano was also a key performer, hitting 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a walk, and a stolen base. Senior Amyah Boostedt added a 2-for-7 performance with an RBI.
In game one, Southern Utah dominated with ten runs on eight hits, drawing eight walks, and stealing five bases, showcasing an aggressive offensive approach. However, in game two, the Thunderbirds struggled, managing just three hits and four walks without converting them into runs, resulting in a shutout loss.
Sophomore Emily Delgado was spectacular in the circle today, pitching six innings for the shutout victory against the Roadrunners. Delgado pitched to contact, surrendering just three hits and striking out one batter. Senior Keimon Winston pitched 4.1 innings in game two, allowing six hits and three earned runs.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"We had a quality win in game one today. Our defense continues to make the plays we need to stay in games."
Game Summary vs. CSU Bakersfield
Southern Utah delivered a commanding 10-0 victory over CSU Bakersfield in game one.
The Thunderbirds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, capitalizing on a Roadrunners' error in the first inning. After Laurie Cooke reached on an infield miscue, Ariyana Miranda singled to advance her to third. Kassidy Munoz then laid down a sacrifice bunt that brought Cooke home for the game's first run.
In the second inning, SUU extended its lead as Arianna Ramirez led off with a double and came around to score on an RBI single up the middle from Alayah Toscano, making it 2-0.
The offense erupted again in the fifth inning. A two-run double from Munoz and an RBI single by Amyah Boostedt pushed the lead to 5-0. The Thunderbirds continued to apply pressure, loading the bases before CSU Bakersfield managed to escape further damage.
The knockout punch came in the sixth, as SUU capitalized on errors and aggressive baserunning. Cooke and Miranda reached before Munoz's ground ball forced a defensive error, allowing two runs to score. A sacrifice fly by Ramirez and an RBI single from Toscano extended the lead to 9-0. A fielder's choice from Taralyn Ollison brought in the final run, sealing the decisive 10-0 victory.
On the defensive side, Southern Utah's pitching and fielding were dominant. The Roadrunners managed just three hits while grounding into two double plays. The Thunderbirds' defense remained poised, eliminating scoring threats and keeping CSU Bakersfield off the board.
Game Summary vs. Fresno State
The Thunderbirds started strong defensively, holding the Bulldogs scoreless through two innings with solid infield play and efficient pitching by Senior Keimon Winston.
Boostedt and Munoz recorded hits, while the lineup consistently put runners on base via the walk, keeping the pressure on Fresno's defense.
Despite a two-run homer in the third and a three-run fifth inning from the Bulldogs, SUU continued to compete, flashing moments of defensive excellence and making key outs.
The Thunderbirds failed to break through offensively and Fresno held on to win 5-0.
On Deck
Southern Utah will wrap up the tournament with a second matchup against Cal on Sunday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m. MT. Live stats for the gams can be found on the Schedule page.
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