ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt softball split its Friday doubleheader against Sonoma State, earning a 2-1 victory in the opener before falling in a heartbreaking 5-4 walk-off loss in game two at Seawolf Softball Field. Strong pitching and timely hitting lifted the Lumberjacks to a win in the first game, while a late Sonoma State rally in the nightcap evened the series. With the split, Humboldt moves to 11-6 overall and 2-2 in CCAA play, while the Seawolves sit at 12-9 (2-4 CCAA). The two teams will meet again on Saturday for another doubleheader to decide the series.
Game 1 - Cal Poly Humboldt 2, Sonoma State 1
Cal Poly Humboldt Takes Series Opener Over Sonoma State in Defensive Battle
A strong pitching performance and timely hitting propelled Cal Poly Humboldt softball to a 2-1 victory over Sonoma State in the first game of Friday's doubleheader at Seawolf Softball Field.
With the win, the Lumberjacks improve to 11-5 overall and 2-1 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play, while the Seawolves drop to 11-10 and 1-4 in conference action.
Game Summary
Cal Poly Humboldt wasted no time getting on the board, striking in the first inning when Alyssa Smokey singled to center field to bring home Shelby Shanks, giving the Lumberjacks an early 1-0 lead. Smokey struck again in the third inning with an RBI single to left field, scoring Bella Garcia and extending Humboldt's lead to 2-0.
Sonoma State's lone run came in the bottom of the sixth when Taylor Rapp delivered an RBI single to left field, driving in Sophia Newcomb. However, the Lumberjacks' pitching duo of Gaige Garcia and Riley Shopp kept the Seawolves in check to seal the win.
Pitching Performance
Garcia (6-2) was dominant in the circle, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out one. Shopp entered in relief and earned her second save of the , throwing two innings while allowing one run on four hits with one strikeout.
Sonoma State's Charlie Johnson (6-5) took the loss despite a strong complete-game effort, allowing just five hits and two earned runs while striking out three over seven innings.
Key Performances
Game 2 - Sonoma State 5, Cal Poly Humboldt 4
Jacks Drop Heartbreaker in Walk-Off Loss to Sonoma State
Cal Poly Humboldt softball saw victory slip away in the final inning of Friday's doubleheader finale, as Sonoma State scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh to secure a 5-4 walk-off win at Seawolf Softball Field. The loss resulted in a Friday split for the Jacks, who took the opener earlier in the day.
Humboldt (11-6, 2-2 CCAA) held a 4-1 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh, but Sonoma State (12-9, 2-4 CCAA) capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting to complete the comeback.
Game Summary
The Jacks got on the board first in the third inning when Alyssa Smokey crushed a two-run homer to left field, bringing home Bella Garcia for an early 2-0 advantage. Humboldt added another run in the fifth, with Vanessa Saltos delivering an RBI single through the right side to score Alexa Garcia, making it 3-0.
Sonoma State responded in the bottom of the fifth with a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Jacks tacked on another run in the sixth when Hailey Meisenbach scored on a throwing error, giving Humboldt a 4-1 cushion heading into the final frame.
However, Sonoma State rallied in the bottom of the seventh, starting with an RBI fielder's choice followed by two unearned runs scoring on a wild pitch and sacrifice fly to even the score at 4-4. With two runners on, Iris Bejarano delivered the game-winning RBI single to center, sealing the 5-4 walk-off victory for the Seawolves.
Pitching Performances
Rayna Ponce started in the circle for the Jacks, throwing 4.1 innings and allowing one run on five hits. Smokey (4-2) took the loss in relief despite allowing just one earned run over 2.1 innings. Ariana Bottel faced two batters in the seventh.
For Sonoma State, Nichole Sarra started and went five innings, allowing three runs on six hits. Charlie Johnson (7-5) picked up the win in relief, pitching the final two innings and surrendering just one unearned run.
Up Next
Cal Poly Humboldt will return to action on Saturday with another doubleheader against Sonoma State. First pitch is set for 11:00 a.m. in Rohnert Park as the Jacks look to bounce back and take the series.
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt softball, please visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app, and follow us on all social media platforms.
