HAYWARD, Calif. - The No. 14 Cal State East Bay softball team split a CCAA doubleheader against Cal State San Bernardino on Friday at Pioneer Softball Field, dropping the opener 4-2 before bouncing back with a thrilling 1-0 walk-off victory in the second game to secure a no-hitter for Marissa Quintero.
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GAME SUMMARIES |
In the opening game of the doubleheader, the Pioneers faced a tough challenge from the Coyotes. Cal State San Bernardino struck early, taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run homer by Bri Goris.
East Bay responded quickly, evening the score in the bottom of the first. Cynthia Carrillo delivered an RBI double, and Marissa Farias followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 2-2.
The contest remained deadlocked until the fifth inning when the Coyotes regained the lead. Mia Escujuri's pinch-hit solo home run put CSUSB ahead 3-2. The visitors added an insurance run in the sixth with Tereise Tosi's solo shot to center field, extending the lead to 4-2.
Despite a valiant effort, the Pioneers couldn't mount a comeback in the final innings. East Bay managed only one hit and one runner in scoring position over the last three frames as CSUSB secured the 4-2 victory to open the series.
Game Two: Cal State East Bay 1, CSUSB 0
The second game on Friday showcased a pitchers' duel between East Bay's Marissa Quintero and CSUSB's Brooke Blackmon. Both hurlers kept the opposing offenses at bay through six scoreless innings, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Quintero was particularly dominant, holding the Coyotes hitless throughout the contest. The Pioneer defense played a crucial role, turning two double plays to keep CSUSB off the basepaths.
As the game entered the bottom of the seventh inning still knotted at 0-0, the Pioneers mounted their game-winning rally. Jenna Porto led off with a single to left field, and Ashley Reyes entered as a pinch-runner. Ysabella Cortez drew a walk, advancing Reyes to second. After a productive flyout by Luda Gumataotao that moved Reyes to third, Ashlee Toy delivered the clutch hit, singling up the middle to drive in the winning run and secure the 1-0 victory for East Bay.
The walk-off win sealed a no-hitter for Quintero.
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NOTABLE STATS |
- Quintero tossed her second no-hitter of the season, striking out two and walking none over seven masterful innings improving to 9-0 on the season.
- Ashlee Toy went 2-for-4 with the game-winning RBI, capping off a strong day at the plate with three hits overall.
- Farias had three total hits on the day.
- Jenna Porto contributed two hits in three at-bats in game two.
- The Pioneers' defense was flawless, committing no errors and turning two double plays.
- Toy and Quintero have the two lowest ERAs among qualifying CCAA pitchers with 1.13 and 1.14 respectively through Friday's action.
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RECORDS |
No. 14 Cal State East Bay: 20-3, 8-2 CCAA
Cal State San Bernardino: 13-13, 7-7 CCAA
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UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
The Pioneers will look to build on this momentum as they continue their CCAA schedule. East Bay returns to action on Saturday, March 15, hosting Cal State San Bernardino for another doubleheader at Pioneer Softball Field. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 10 a.m.
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