March 5, 2010
Final Stats
LAS VEGAS - Tying its season high with 12 hits, No. 15/13 California opened its weekend with a 6-0 victory against New Mexico State on Friday afternoon. The Golden Bears, who move to 12-4 overall, last had 12 hits against Portland State (March 6) and will play four more games at this weekend's Eller Media Stadium Classic. Junior pitcher Valerie Arioto was the star of the game with a game-changing two-run homer and pitched a seven-inning one-hitter.
In the bottom of the first, Shannon Thomas singled through the right side to bring up Arioto, who smacked the ball over the left-field fence, giving the Bears a 2-0 lead that they would never relinquish.
With that tough act to follow, freshman Lindsey Ziegenhirt stepped up to the plate and got herself a single. She advanced to second on the fielding error in left field and promptly moved to third, prime location with sophomore Jace Williams up to bat. Williams then singled up the middle for her 10th RBI of the season, plating Ziegenhirt to give the Bears a 3-0 lead.
The sixth inning was the next most fruitful inning for Cal. After Arioto struck out the side with three swinging Ks, Williams had a one-out single to right center. Frani Echavarria then took her turn with a single, this one to right, to put runners at first and second. Williams put the speed on when Taylor Kelly singled up the middle to cross the plate while Echavarria advanced to third and Kelly moved to second on the throw.
With Echavarria at third and Kelly at second, freshman Jolene Henderson grounded out to the first baseman, but it was not worthless by any stretch for Echavarria scored. Kelly came home when Elia Reid singled up the middle. That was the last straw for NMSU hurler Sydney Williard, who was replaced by Kelsey Schueler.
It was of no matter for the Bears for Elia Reid advanced to second on an illegal pitch from Schueler to Jamia Reid. Shortly thereafter, Jamia Reid had a bunt single to third and moved to second while her sister Elia advanced to third. The one-two punch of Elia and Jamia Reid proved too much for the Aggies, who replaced Schueler with Sarah Byrne, who got Shannon Thomas to fly out to end Cal's three-run half inning.
In her superb outing in the circle, Arioto gave up just one hit and three walks while striking out half (13) of the batters she faced (26). Jace Williams had a team-high three hits while Arioto paced the Bears with two RBI.
The Bears drilled the Aggie pitching for 12 hits, six runs, five of which were earned and only suffering three strikeouts.
The Bears continue their weekend stanza with a Friday afternoon game against Weber State.
