CSUDH Splits Softball Twinbill Versus San Francisco State
Valerie Long and Lisa Grove combine to down Gators 3-0 in nightcap after SFSU takes 5-1 game one decision
March 26, 2004

Complete Box Scores
Game 1       Game 2

Carson, CA -- Cal State Dominguez Hills used the arm of Valerie Long (Stockton, CA/St. Mary's HS) and the bat of Lisa Grove (Buena Park, CA/Kennedy HS) to take a 3-0 game two decision, salvaging a split after visiting San Francisco State took the first game, 5-1, on Friday afternoon at Toro Diamond.

With the split, CSUDH improves to 17-13-1, 11-12 CCAA, while SFSU drops to 12-18, 11-9 CCAA.

Long was the story of game two, shutting down the Gators on three hits and fanning four to pick up her sixth win against no losses (6-0). The Stockton, CA, native retired the side in three of the seven innings, allowing only one SFSU runner to reach second base during her complete-game victory, and third shutout of the season.

Offensively, the Toros picked up an unearned run in the bottom of the third inning to take a 1-0 lead, and then used the long ball in the fourth frame to provide all the cushion Long would need. With two out, Natalie Sharp (Whittier, CA/California HS) singled up the middle, beating out a nice effort by Gator second baseman Vanessa Rodriguez. Sharp's hustle allowed the Toros' Grove to step up to the plate, and the CSUDH first baseman did the rest. Swinging a hot bat as of late, Grove sent a rocket deep over the left field fence, plating two and giving the Toros a comfortable 3-0 lead. Long did the rest, retiring 9 of the final 11 Gators to pick up the victory.

SFSU starter Holly Pearce lasted four innings, giving up three runs on five hits to take the loss (3-7).

Lori Moreno (Los Angeles, CA/California HS) and Jenny Funk (Long Beach, CA/St. Joseph HS) added two hits apiece, while Funk was perfect on defense, handling all seven balls in centerfield.

In game one, SFSU scored all five runs in the third and fourth innings to take the win. The Gators' Rachel Darrow provided the big blow, clearing the bases with a booming single to centerfield in the top of the fourth. SFSU's Chrissy Hildebrandt knocked in the other two runs one inning earlier, providing all the scoring the visitors.

Dani Proctor (La Crescenta, CA/La Crescenta HS) was the sole bright spot for the Toro offense, lining a two-out RBI double down the left field line in the bottom of the third to cut the Toro deficit to a then-single run.

SFSU starter Sonja Garnett hurled a complete-game two-hitter to pick up her eighth win of the year (8-9), allowing one earned run while striking out four.

CSUDH starter Nina Distefano (Lakewood, CA/St. Joseph HS) threw 3.2 innings, allowing five runs to take the loss (4-7).

The Toros host Sonoma State tomorrow afternoon on Toro Diamond, with first pitch of game one's doubleheader scheduled for 12 noon