CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. – In a game that started 1 ½ hours late and went over three hours, the San Diego State softball team defeated Wisconsin, 3-2, in nine innings at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams complex.
Because of earlier games that were delayed, the Aztec (11-5)-Badger (6-5) game started at 9:59 p.m. PT and didn't end until 1:02 a.m. PT.
SDSU took its only lead of the game in the top of the ninth inning when Kristen Parker's chopper to second base scored Alexa Schultz from third.
UW loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but San Diego State pitcher Maggie Balint struck out Jordan Little looking to end the game.
It was one of a career-high 13 strikeouts for Balint (4-2), who now has 72 this season in 50 innings. Balint allowed only two hits in the game, including a two-run home run by Stephanie Lombardo in the bottom of the first inning, and pitched around eight walks and two hit batters.
Shelby Thompson homered for the Aztecs in the third and Kristen Parker's sacrifice fly scored Sara Lille in the fourth for SDSU's other runs in the game.
Sadie Langlet was a perfect 3-for-3 to pace SDSU, while Jillian Celis reached base safe twice with a single and a walk.
THE NOTE
San Diego State improved to 10-2 on the season when outhitting its opponent.
STAT OF THE DAY
RHP Maggie Balint's 13 strikeouts were the most by an Aztec since Bailey Micetich struck out 14 against Florida State on May 19, 2012 and tied for the fifth most in a game in program history.
UP NEXT
SDSU wraps up its play in the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic with a game against rv/No. 24 Mississippi State tonight at 7:30 p.m. PT.
San Diego State 3, Wisconsin 2 (9 innings)
San Diego State (11-5)...001 100 001 -- 3 7 0
Wisconsin (6-5)...200 000 000 -- 2 2 1
Balint and Langlet; Hestekin, Schwartz (5), Menz (8) and Johnson
W - Balint, 4-2; L - Menz, 5-3
HR: San Diego State, Thompson (4); Wisconsin, Lombardo (3)
Softball Beats Wisconsin, 3-2, in Nine Innings
