SAN DIEGO -- San Diego State used the arm of Marissa Moreno and some timely hitting in a 3-0 victory over San José State Sunday afternoon at SDSU Softball Stadium. With the win, the Aztecs (19-22, 7-8 MW) claimed the series over the Spartans (27-14, 7-6 MW).
Moreno (8-9) went the distance in the circle for SDSU, allowing just three hits and a walk over seven innings, while striking out two. It was her third solo shutout of the season and sixth of her career.
A day after recording only three hits in a 6-2 loss to SJSU, San Diego State had eight in the rubber game of the series today.
Kelsey Munoz led the Aztec offense with two hits and an RBI, while Kristen Parker singled, scored a run and stole a base. Aris Metcalfe added a run, walk and stolen base for SDSU.
San Diego State got to San José State starting pitcher Chrys Hildebrand in the bottom of the third with a pair of runs. Metcalfe started things when she led off with a walk, stole second and moved to third on an infield single by Kristen Parker. The Aztecs then performed a double steal with Metcalfe sliding home safely, and Parker taking second and moving to third on an error by the Spartan catcher Alyssa Avila. Kiera Wright followed with a single through the left side to give SDSU the early 2-0 lead.
San Diego State went back to work in the fourth as Molly Sturdivant singled and was replaced by Kayla Sok. Sok stole second, advanced to third on a Taylor Adams infield single and scored on a single down the left-field line by Munoz.
SJSU made a last-ditch effort to get on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh when Jacey Phipps tripled to left field with two outs. Moreno, however, got Alyssa Graham to ground out to Munoz at third base to complete the shutout and series victory.
NOTE I
The Aztecs improved to 13-6 (.684) this season in games decided by three or less runs after going 12-22 (.353) last year.
NOTE II
SDSU won its second straight Mountain West series for the first time since winning the final two of the 2017 league campaign.
STAT OF THE DAY
San Diego State won its 24th straight game (13-0 this year) when leading after five innings.
UP NEXT
SDSU returns to action on Tuesday, April 23 in a non-conference home game against California Baptist. First pitch is 6 p.m. PT.
San Diego State 3, San José State 0
San José State (27-14, 7-5 MW) 000 000 0 -- 0 3 1
San Diego State (19-22, 7-8 MW) 002 100 x -- 3 8 1
Hidebrand, Bowman (4) and Avila; Moreno and Sturdivant
W - Moreno, 8-9; L - Hildebrand, 3-3
Softball Shuts Out San José State, 3-0, to Claim Series
