Hornets starting pitcher Caitlin Brooks gave up one run on five hits, while striking out eight in a loss to UC Riverside in their final game of the Fresno State Kickoff tournament

Sacramento State lost 1-0 bringing its record to 2-4 on the season.

Four of the eight batters that the junior pitcher struck out were on called third strikes. Brooks was able to keep batters off balance with her screw ball and riseball effectively changing the eye level for Riverside.

“Caitlin worked hard in preparing for this season and it has shown, aside from the two previous starts for her. She pitched an absolute gem today,” Softball head coach Lori Perez said. “It’s too bad that we couldn’t win this game because she deserved it for the way she kept us in the game.”

The first run did not come across home plate until the fifth inning when the Highlanders’ senior outfielder Dionne Anderson singled, scoring Stephanie Tickemyer.

Sac State’s offense failed to take advantage of runners in scoring position, including when it had loaded the bases in the third and fifth innings.

“In those instances, we had our chances to score, we had the right personnel out there we just didn’t square up any of the pitches,” Perez said.  

Despite the Highlanders’ pitcher Ashley Ercolano’s high ERA of 29.33 coming into this game, she gave up no runs on seven hits and no walks.  

Sac State will next play on Friday against Santa Clara at 5:30 p.m. in the Santa Clara Marriott Bronco Classic.