ARCATA, Calif. — Cal Poly Humboldt softball delivered a memorable home opener on Friday afternoon, sweeping a CCAA doubleheader against Cal State Dominguez Hills at the Humboldt Softball Field. The Lumberjacks rallied for a dramatic 6-5 walk-off victory in game one before riding an early offensive surge to a 9-5 win in game two.
After opening the season with 25 consecutive games on the road, Humboldt (12-15, 3-3 CCAA) returned home in style, extending its winning streak to three games.
GAME ONE: HUMBOLDT 6, DOMINGUEZ HILLS 5
The 'Jacks erased a late deficit in thrilling fashion, scoring three runs in the bottom of the seventh to walk off the Toros.
Trailing 5-3 entering their final at-bats, Humboldt capitalized on timely hitting. Shelby Shanks drove in a run with an RBI single to cut the deficit to one before Marissa Brody delivered the decisive blow—a two-RBI walk-off single to center field that sealed the comeback victory.
Rylee Banks led the offensive charge, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI. Alyssa Ramirez and Shanks each recorded two hits, while Lauren Aubrey added an RBI double.
In the circle, Lily Fournier (5-8) went the distance to earn the win, allowing five runs (three earned) on 11 hits while working out of multiple jams.
GAME TWO: HUMBOLDT 9, DOMINGUEZ HILLS 5
Humboldt carried its momentum into game two, erupting for seven runs across the first two innings to take control early.
Brody got the scoring started in the first with an RBI single, and the 'Jacks broke things open in the second inning. Olivia Hurtado highlighted the frame with a three-run home run to left center, while Shanks added an RBI single and Brody chipped in with a sacrifice fly.
The Toros battled back with a five-run stretch in the fifth and sixth innings, but Humboldt answered in the bottom of the sixth. Shanks delivered again with a two-run double to push the lead to 9-5 and put the game out of reach.
Shanks finished with two hits and three RBI, while Banks added two hits and two runs scored. Bella Garcia crossed the plate three times, and Hurtado totaled three RBI with her home run.
Mason Hatton (3-4) earned the win in relief, tossing three innings, while Ariana Bottel provided three scoreless innings in the start. Fournier closed the door with a scoreless seventh.
FROM HEAD COACH MEGAN CORRIEA
"It was a great home opener for us. After spending so much time on the road, it was exciting to finally play in front of our fans and the team responded really well. We showed a lot of fight in game one and then came out strong in game two. These were important wins to build momentum, and we're looking forward to carrying that into tomorrow against a solid Dominguez Hills team."
UP NEXT
Humboldt will continue its CCAA series against the Toros with another doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. at the Humboldt Softball Field. Admission is free, and fans can also watch live on FloCollege.
