LOLETA, Calif. -- Cal Poly Humboldt opened up a four game series against Central Washington on Friday. Day one of doubleheaders saw the 'Jacks earn the sweep over the Wildcats after defeating Central Washington in game one 10-2 and in game two 3-0. Humboldt improved to 5-11 overall, while Central Washington dropped to 8-9 overall.
GAME ONE: Gaige Garcia threw two scoreless innings to start the game but in the top of the third inning, Harlee Carpenter of Central Washington got the Wildcats on the board first with a single up the middle that knocked in a run. Humboldt responded with some two-out clutch hitting in the bottom half of the third, as
Izzy Starr started the rally with a single to center field that scored two runs.
Kristin Ingram laid down a bunt that loaded the bases and
Vanessa Saltos earned a walk that scratched another Lumberjack run across the plate.
Shelby Shanks roped a ball into the left center field gap that plated two and gave the 'Jacks a 5-1 lead heading into the fourth inning. The fourth inning was a similar story, as Humboldt allowed one Central Washington run in the top half of the inning, then collected four runs on five hits in the bottom half. The 'Jacks headed into the fifth inning with a 9-2 lead. In the bottom of the sixth,
Julia Rivera got a pinch-hit opportunity and dropped in a single down the left field line to get Humboldt going. Starr was hit by a pitch and a Saltos single loaded the bases for the freshman shortstop
Shelby Shanks. Shanks walked it off with a single to center field and the 'Jacks earned their first "mercy rule" victory of the season, defeating Central Washington in game one with a score of 10-2.
NOTABLE STATS
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Gaige Garcia earned her second win of the season
- Nine Humboldt batters recorded at least one hit, four batters (
McKenna Beach,
Kristin Ingram,
Vanessa Saltos,
Shelby Shanks) collected two hits
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Katlyn Gifford,
Micaela Harris, and
Shelby Shanks all hit doubles
- Shanks led the team with three runs batted in
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Ciera Pyle led with two stolen bases
- The 'Jacks recorded a season-high 13 hits and run ruled a team for the first time this season
GAME TWO: Vanessa Richie threw three scoreless innings to start the game before Humboldt jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom half of the third.
McKenna Beach got the 'Jacks on the board after she hit her first collegiate home run to left center field. Harris kept the momentum rolling with a single through the left side and two stolen bases. With two outs,
Izzy Starr came up clutch and singled to right center, driving in Harris and giving the 'Jacks a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the fifth, Beach doubled down the left field line and Harris singled to center field. After Harris stole yet another base,
Ciera Pyle came up with two runners in scoring position. Pyle grounded out to second base and drove in Beach to make it a 3-0 game. The pitching relief of
Alyssa Smokey held strong for three innings which allowed her to earn her first win of the season.
Karen Di Dio closed the door in the top of the seventh, as she struck out two Wildcat batters and earned her first save of the season.
NOTABLE STATS
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McKenna Beach hit a double and her first collegiate home run, scored two runs, had one RBI
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Micaela Harris went 2-for-3 and had three stolen bases
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Katlyn Gifford,
Shelby Shanks, and
Izzy Starr all recorded a hit
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Ciera Pyle had an RBI
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Alyssa Smokey picked up the win and
Karen Di Dio got her first save of the year
UP NEXT
Tomorrow, Humboldt returns to action against Central Washington for another non-conference doubleheader at Bear River Sports Complex in Loleta, Calif. Game times are set for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt softball, please visit
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