SAN FRANCISCO—Though it's still early in the season, the confidence level of the Chico State softball team is riding high. The Wildcats—ranked No. 4 in the nation—are winning consistently and convincingly, and Friday they once again put it all together in their series-opening doubleheader with San Francisco State. The 'Cats scored in bunches throughout the afternoon while keeping the Gators' offense in check, resulting in a sweep of the twin bill by scores of 10-1 and 8-1.
With Friday's two victories, Chico State has now won nine straight, matching its longest winning streak of the season. The Wildcats improved to 18-1 overall and raised their California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)-best conference record to 13-1.
The Wildcats collected 15 hits on the day, with Kristin Worley racking up four of her five hits in the second game of the double dip. Amanda Metzger, Reilani Peleti, and Karter Williams contributed two hits apiece to the 'Cats attack. Brooke Larsen and Sam Mulock continued their dominance in the pitcher's circle, combining to allow just one earned run and striking out 13 in the two games.
In the opener of Friday's doubleheader, Chico State put up a crooked number in the top of the first inning without the benefit of a hit. Two walks, a hit batter, and a San Francisco State error resulted in the first run of the game, and a sacrifice fly by Larsen chased Rodriguez home from third give the Wildcats an early 2-0 lead.
The 'Cats extended their advantage in the top of the fourth inning. Sara Mitrano scored from third when Williams reached on a fielder's choice, with Metzger coming home on a bases-loaded walk to Rodriguez. Later in the frame Worley scored on a double play, and Williams crossed the plate on a double by Peleti, giving Chico State a 6-0 lead.
Larsen stretched her streak of consecutive hitless innings to 18 before Brylynn Vallejos singled for the Gators to lead off the bottom of the fourth. San Francisco State took advantage of two Wildcat errors to plate an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth inning, but Chico State answered with a single run in the top of the sixth—Larsen singling home Maddy Johnson—and three more in the seventh to go up nine. Larsen tossed a scoreless bottom of the seventh, cementing the 'Cats' 10-1 victory.
Larsen struck out nine in going the distance for the eighth time this year, raising her season record to 9-1.
In the nightcap, Mulock engaged in a pitcher's duel with the Gators' Emily Mitchell, with the two hurlers matching each other zero for zero through the first three frames. In the top of the fourth inning, Chico State got on the board when Worley singled home Mitrano and Angel Lopez, then a bunt single by Williams and a San Francisco State error plated Worley and Jordan DiGiacinto to stretch the Wildcats' lead to 4-0.
In the top of the fifth inning, Grace Gallagher walked and scored on a Gators' error. The 'Cats put an exclamation mark on the proceedings by going big fly in the top of the seventh—with Worley and Williams aboard, Rodriguez blasted her second home run of the season to center field, putting Chico State up by eight. San Francisco State averted the shutout by scoring a run in the bottom of the seventh, but it wasn't enough to keep the 'Cats from cruising to the 8-1 win and the doubleheader sweep.
Mulock struck out four in notching her seventh complete game and ninth win of the season.
The Wildcats and Gators conclude their four-game series Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m. Fans can follow the action online with Live Stats and live streaming video, available through the Wildcat Athletics website.
