IRVINE, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay Pioneers softball team capped off an impressive run at the Concordia Kickoff Classic with a commanding 8-0 run-rule victory over UH Hilo in five innings on Sunday morning at Great Park. The win solidified the Pioneers' perfect 5-0 start to the 2025 season and secured their position as runners-up in the tournament.
The Pioneers' exceptional performance throughout the Concordia Kickoff Classic was recognized with three players named to the All-Tournament Team - Marissa Farias, Marissa Quintero and Ashlee Toy.
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GAME SUMMARY |
The Pioneers showcased their offensive prowess and pitching dominance in a game that was decided early. After a scoreless first inning, Cal State East Bay broke through in the second, putting up four runs to take control of the contest.
The game-changing moment came in the bottom of the second inning when the Pioneers had the bases loaded. Annelise Garcia drew a bases loaded hit-by-pitch to drive in the first run of the game. Then, Cynthia Carrillo delivered a clutch two-run double, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Later in the inning, the Pioneers were up 4-0 when Farias reached on an error that allowed Carrillo to score a run.
The Pioneers continued to apply pressure, adding four more runs in the fifth inning to invoke the run rule and secure the victory. The runs were scored from an RBI single from Farias, a pinch-hit RBI single from Ava Benavides, a bases-loaded walk to Toy and to clinch the game, an RBI single from Carrillo.
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NOTABLE STATS |
- Toy's pitching performance was nothing short of spectacular as she threw a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out seven batters. Toy's command and efficiency were evident as she needed only 69 pitches to navigate through five innings, keeping the UH Hilo hitters off-balance throughout the game.
- Carrillo went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored. She has five RBIs on the season.
- After five games, Farias has a .533 batting average.
- While Cal State East Bay finished the tournament with an unblemished 5-0 record, they were edged out for the championship by Cal State San Marcos due to the total run differential tiebreaker.
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UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
The Pioneers will look to build on their early-season success as they prepare for their 2025 home opener. Cal State East Bay will host a doubleheader against Academy of Art on Friday, February 7, at Pioneer Softball Field in Hayward, California. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 12 p.m.
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