ROHNERT PARK – For the majority of her Chico State career, Brynn Lesovsky has demonstrated an amazing knack for delivering clutch hits. Her talents were on full display Saturday in the Wildcats' series-ending doubleheader against Sonoma State – Lesovsky launched a grand slam to key a five-run rally in the first game, then drove in three more runs in the nightcap as the 'Cats, after dropping the opener 6-5, blanked the Seawolves 5-0 in game two to earn a split of the twin bill and the four-game weekend set.
The Wildcats moved to 5-3 on the season and 2-2 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Sonoma State, ranked No. 19 in the nation, is 4-5 overall and 2-2 in CCAA play.
Sonoma State struck first in the opening game of Saturday's double dip. Chico State starting pitcher Haley Gilham was able to wiggle out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the first inning, but in the bottom of the second Alee Balanon and Jordann White delivered back-to-back two-out RBI singles to put the Seawolves in front 3-0.
A two-run double by White stretched Sonoma State's advantage to 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Meanwhile, Seawolves' starting pitcher Amanda Llerena held the Wildcats to just one hit – a double by Cyrena Taylor – through the first four frames.
The 'Cats came roaring back to tie the game in the top of the fifth inning. A walk to Claire Wayne and back-to-back two-out singles by Ari Marsh and Alli Cook loaded the bases and set the stage for Lesovsky, who cleared the fence in left field for a grand slam to make it a 5-4 game. Later in the frame Chico State re-loaded the bases, and Desiree' Gonzalez scored from third on a dropped pop-up to pull the Wildcats even.
Sonoma State re-took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning when White drove in her fifth run of the game, delivering a two-out single to plate Ali Strycula. Chico State got the potential tying run in scoring position when Gonzalez doubled with one out in the top of the seventh, but Llerena got Taylor to line out to first and Karli Skowrup to foul out down the right field line to end it, and Sonoma State hung on for the 6-5 victory.
Llerena went the distance for the Seawolves, striking out seven to earn the win and improve to 4-2 on the year. Cheyenne Sandoval (0-1), the second of three Wildcats' pitchers, was tagged with the loss.
Chico State grabbed the early lead in the second game of the doubleheader, as Taylor doubled in the top of the second inning and came around to score on a pair of Sonoma State errors. In the top of the fourth Taylor crushed the first home run of her Wildcat career, giving the 'Cats a 2-0 lead.
Chico State doubled its advantage in the top of the fifth inning – with the bases loaded, Lesovsky roped a single down the left field line to bring in Marsh and Rachel DeHart to make the score 4-0.
The Wildcats provided starting pitcher Brooke Langeloh with even more insurance with a run in the seventh, as Marsh scored from third on a Lesovsky sacrifice fly. Langeloh wrapped up her first shutout of the season with a scoreless seventh inning, giving Chico State the 5-0 win and the doubleheader and series split.
Langeloh struck out six in going the distance, improving her season record to 4-0. The Wildcats posted six hits in the nightcap, with Marsh and Taylor collecting two safeties apiece.
The Wildcats are back in action next weekend, hosting Cal State Monterey Bay in a four-game series Friday and Saturday at University Softball Field. Friday's series-opening doubleheader gets underway at 11 a.m., with Saturday's twin bill ticketed for a 12 noon start.
