‘Jacks Take Down No. 3 East Bay, Secure Series Split
Drew Gwerder
HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal Poly Humboldt softball battled toe-to-toe with No. 3 Cal State East Bay on Saturday, earning a split of the CCAA doubleheader behind a dominant Game 1 victory and a power-filled offensive showing across both contests.
The Lumberjacks (15-18) handed the nationally-ranked Pioneers (26-6) just their second loss at home this season with an 8-2 win in the opener before East Bay responded with an 11-5 decision in Game 2.
Game 1: Humboldt 8, No. 3 Cal State East Bay 2
Cal Poly Humboldt put together one of its most complete performances of the season, erupting for eight runs on 12 hits to knock off the No. 3-ranked Pioneers.
The Lumberjacks piled up six doubles in the contest, coming from Alyssa Ramirez, Marissa Brody, Katlyn Gifford, Rylee Banks, Lauren Aubrey and Alexa Garcia, consistently putting pressure on the East Bay pitching staff.
Humboldt broke things open early with a four-run second inning, capitalizing on pressure offense and defensive miscues. Olivia Hurtado, Aubrey and Ramirez each drove in runs in the frame, while Banks and Gifford helped spark the rally.
Humboldt added two more in the third behind RBI doubles from Banks and Aubrey to extend the lead to 6-0.
Hurtado provided the exclamation point in the seventh with a solo home run, finishing with two runs scored and two RBI.
Banks (2-for-3, two runs, RBI), Aubrey (2-for-3, two RBI) and Ramirez (2-for-4, RBI) all paced the balanced offensive attack as six different Lumberjacks recorded hits.
In the circle, Mason Hatton (4-4) earned the win, tossing 4.1 innings while allowing just one run on five hits with four strikeouts. Lily Fournier closed the door with 2.2 innings of relief, giving up one run while striking out two to secure the upset.
Game 2: No. 3 Cal State East Bay 11, Humboldt 5
The Lumberjacks stayed hot at the plate in Game 2, launching three home runs and jumping out to an early 5-2 lead.
Shelby Shanks got things started with a two-run homer in the first, followed by a solo shot from Marissa Brody. In the second inning, Alexa Garcia added a two-run blast to give Humboldt a three-run cushion.
Humboldt totaled 10 hits in the nightcap, with Shanks (2-for-4, two RBI) and Banks (2-for-3) leading the way.
After East Bay chipped away to make it 5-4, the Pioneers used a seven-run sixth inning to swing the game in their favor.
In the circle, Lily Fournier started and went 2.0 innings, allowing three runs. Ariana Bottel (4-5) was tagged with the loss after pitching into the sixth, while Ellison Hinnen finished the game in relief.
Series Notes & Up Next
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Humboldt recorded 22 hits and four home runs across Saturday's doubleheader.
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The Lumberjacks handed No. 3 Cal State East Bay just its second amd third losses at home this season.
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Humboldt earned a series split against one of the top teams in the nation, making it their third victory against a Top-3 team this season.
Cal Poly Humboldt returns home next week for a pair of CCAA doubleheaders at the Humboldt Softball Field. The Lumberjacks are set to host on Thursday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 11 a.m. in Arcata.
