April 14, 2007
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The San Diego State softball team scored eight runs in the top of the fifth inning to break open a close game en route to a 11-2 victory over New Mexico in six innings at Lobo Field in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday afternoon. The Aztecs, who tied a school record with 18 hits, improved to 25-17 overall and 2-5 in Mountain West Conference action. The Lobos dropped to 11-14 and 1-1.
The Aztecs wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as two consecutive singles to lead off the game by freshman Brittany Knudsen (San Diego/Escondido HS) and junior Tamani Wells (Concord, Calif.) and some fundamental softball led to the first run of the game. Following the two singles, sophomore Kasey Mytinger (San Diego/West Hills HS) moved the two runners over on a bunt and sophomore Monica Alnes (Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.) plated Knudsen with a sacrifice fly to left.
The game would remain 1-0 until the bottom of the fourth when New Mexico scored two runs, thanks in part to three SDSU errors. Amy Ray scored the Lobos' first run of the inning on a double by Katie Gilmore and Gilmore would make it 2-1 New Mexico when she scored on a throwing error by San Diego State's Wells.
The Aztecs, however, bounced back with eight runs on 11 hits in the fifth to take a commanding 9-2 lead. The inning was highlighted by five bunt singles, including four consecutive to start out the inning, and junior Megan McDonald's (Glendale, Ariz.) second career grand slam. In addition, Knudsen and Wells each singled twice and scored two runs.
SDSU tacked on two more runs in the sixth after a double by freshman Lindsey Marquez (Tustin, Calif.) plated sophomore Dani Sidoti (Tucson, Ariz.) and freshman Janae Portugal (San Diego/Westview HS).
Sidoti went 4-for-4 and scored two runs to pace the Aztec offense. Her four hits were a career high.
McDonald had two hits and four RBI, including her second homer in as many games, while Marquez had a career-high three hits, drove in three runs and scored twice. Knudsen (two runs, RBI) and Wells (run, RBI) each added three hits.
Junior Christina Ross (Santa Clarita, Calif.) (17-8) allowed seven hits and two runs (one earned) over six innings to pick up the win for SDSU. She struck out five and did not give up a walk, as only three Lobos advanced past second base.
San Diego State will play at New Mexico again at noon MT Sunday.