CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. – The bats were swinging from the opening of the day for No. 19 California who delivered a decisive 8-0 win to CSUN (4-10) in five innings on Saturday at the Mary Nutter Classic.
 
The Bears (13-1) recorded runs in 3 of 4 innings in the run-rule, including a five-run frame in the bottom of the third to provide the final margin.
 
It was lights out from the beginning of the bottom frame with freshman Mikayla Coelho clearing one over the center field fence to notch her third homer of the season. Cal quickly filled the bags with Kobie Pettis doubling and Karlee Sparacino and Bradie Fillmore getting free trips to first on a walk and hit-by-pitch, respectively. Coehlo was also responsible for the pair of runs in the opening frame bringing home Jazmyn Jackson and Lindsay Rood on a two RBI single.
 
Next, it was freshman Lauren Espalin's turn to cash in, stepping in as a pinch hitter for catcher Marcella Kay. On a 1-0 count, the Orange, Calif., native, cranked a three RBI double out deep to clear the bags and keep the half rolling for the Bears.
 
Fear set in for the Matadors as Jackson returned to the plate with two outs and two on. Freshman Sabrina Nunez singled and stole second to advance Espalin to third. Jackson, known for her hitting, was intentionally walked, but a passed ball allowed Espalin to get home uncontested.
 
Kamalani Dung remained perfect on the season, collecting her seventh win of the year. She retired four batters at the plate as Cal earned its sixth shutout of the season and fifth run rule.
 
The Bears close their time in Palm Springs with a doubleheader on Sunday. To open the day, Cal faces Fullerton at 11:30 a.m. (PT) before finishing the weekend against Long Beach State at 2 p.m.
 
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