Softball splits doubleheader with Saint Mary’s

Clifton Jones

Sacramento State softball split Saturday’s games, winning the first game 6-3, but losing the second game 2-0 and bringing the Hornets’ record to 4-4 on the season.

Sophomore pitcher Caitlin Brooks went the distance, pitching all 11 innings and allowing three runs, six hits, three walks and eight strikeouts in her team’s extra-inning win. 

Hornets’ head coach Kathy Strahan said Brooks was very inspirational today throughout the game as a great leader and supporter.

Brooks shut down the Gaels for most of the game, but the third and sixth innings gave her the most trouble when she gave up a pair of home runs. 

“Caitlin’s composure was great throughout the game, even when she gave up the home run in the third and sixth innings,” Strahan said. “Caitlin could have just cracked and let the game get away from her.” 

Brooks kept her team in the game until the sixth inning. The Hornets’ offense started with four hits that brought in three runs, giving them the lead before the Gaels came back to tie the game. 

The game was tied until the 11th inning, when sophomore right fielder Paige Martin hit a double and later scored on a single from freshman designated hitter Alexis Martinez. Freshman catcher Kortney Solis singled to drive in her second RBI of the season.

“We made adjustments during the game for our offense and in the sixth inning our adjustments finally paid off,” Strahan said.

During the second game, Strahan said her team was just tired from the previous extra-inning game. 

“We didn’t have the energy like we did in the first game,” Strahan said. “The opposing pitcher kept the ball in the infield.”

Freshman Jennifer Hartman pitched well in the second game for the Hornets. In a losing effort, she allowed two runs on four hits, one walk and nine strikeouts. 

“Jennifer did a great job yesterday; her demeanor was very poised, especially during the bases-full jams in the game,” Strahan said. 

One of the four hits given up by Hartman was a solo home run in the sixth inning that gave the Gaels a two-run lead. 

The Hornets’ only offense in the second game was the three singles in the second, sixth and seventh innings. Sac State left a runner in all three of the innings that the team was able to hit. 

Sac State plays again at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at San Jose State.

 

 

Clifton can be reached on Twitter at @jonesSHsports