Solo Home Runs Make Difference For Pioneers in Thursday's CCAA Tournament Win
SAN MARCOS, Calif. – After advancing through a single elimination game, Cal State East Bay softball won its first game of double elimination play with a pair of solo home runs and outstanding pitching for a 2-0 win over top-seeded Sonoma State.
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GAME SUMMARY |
Through four innings both teams were scoreless and Marissa Quintero had not allowed a hit during the stretch.
In the top of the fifth with two outs on a 3-2 count, Kyana Elder broke the scoreless tie with a solo home run as the Pioneers took a 1-0 lead.
The lead doubled for CSUEB in the top of the seventh inning when Jeslyn Cuellar hit a solo home run down the left field line as the Pioneers took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh.
Although the Seawolves had a runner on base in the bottom of the seventh, Quintero retired the final two batters capped off with a strikeout as the Pioneers won 2-0.
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NOTABLE STATS |
- Quintero pitched a second straight complete game in the circle. She pitched seven scoreless innings allowing only two hits with four strikeouts.
- Elder's home run was her third of the season and Cuellar launched her second home run in 2024.
- The Pioneers reached 27 wins for the first time since the 2017 season.
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POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE |
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UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
The Pioneers return to CSUSM Softball Field on Friday for a matchup with the tournament host team, Cal State San Marcos. First pitch is set for noon. In the regular season, CSUEB and the Cougars split their four-game series, 2-2. The two teams meet in the next round because of the Pioneers' win and a 5-2 win by Cal State San Marcos over Cal State Dominguez Hills.
If the Pioneers win on Friday, they advance to Saturday's final. A loss though would result in a Friday afternoon matchup against Cal State Dominguez Hills in the non-winner side of the bracket.
Sonoma State was eliminated from the tournament later in the day with its second loss on Thursday, 4-3 to CSUDH.
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