Sacramento State softball’s offense and pitching finally came together Saturday, sweeping Santa Clara University in a double header Saturday, 6-2 and 3-2.

The Hornets displayed offense in their first game, scoring six runs on seven hits. Sophomore right fielder Paige Martin and freshman catcher Kortney Solis both went 2-4 with 1 RBI each.

The second game was a pitching battle between Hornet freshman Jennifer Hartman and a duo of Bronco pitchers. 

In the first game, the Hornet offense was able to score its two runs in the first inning with a double by senior third baseman Emily McCormick to score senior center fielder Kelli Frye. Later in the inning, Martin was able to hit a double to score McCormick. 

For the first time this season, sophomore pitcher Caitlin Brooks had the lead while pitching and allowed two runs on three hits, two walks and struck out six Bronco batters. 

“It was good to see both the pitching and hitting come together finally today,” said softball head coach Kathy Strahan. 

McCormick went 2-7 with three runs scored and one RBI. Her effort today brings her season average to .293 with four runs scored and seven RBIs. Strahan said it is nice to finally see everything go McCormick’s way for a change.

“Emily is a trooper. She battled the last few games to get hits and now it’s nice to see the monkey off her back a little bit,” Strahan said.

In the fifth inning of the first game, Sac State was able to bat around, scoring four times. Solis was able to score Frye with a single and Papez followed by hitting another single, scoring McCormick. 

The Hornets followed soon after that with two runs, crossing the plate after the Broncos walked two straight batters. 

Santa Clara turned up the pressure toward the end of the game by scoring two runs in the seventh inning on two balks forced by Brooks. In the end, Sac State beat Santa Clara, 6-2. 

In the second game, Hartman was able to go three innings without giving up a hit. 

The Broncos were able to capitalize on some timely hitting from the middle of their lineup, scoring their only two runs in the fourth inning.  

Strahan said the coaching staff did not really pay attention to the possibility of Hartman’s no-hitter. 

“We had no idea Jennifer had a no-hitter through three innings because we were focused on the big picture and that was to get the win for our team,” Strahan said.

Strahan said she was happy that her team came into the second game with the same intensity as the first. 

Sac State takes on Santa Clara again tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. to make it three straight wins in a row.

 

Clifton can be reached on Twitter at jonesSHsports