Toros Sweep Wildcats in CCAA Softball Doubleheader
Strong pitching and defense leads to CSUDH victory
April 12, 2002

Complete Box Score - Game 1

Complete Box Score - Game 2

CARSON, Calif.-The Toros were looking to rebound after a 2-4 outing last weekend at the Tournament of Champions, hosted by Cal State Stanislaus. They were able to do so today with an impressive sweep over the visiting Wildcats of Chico State. The Toros used a combination of strong pitching and defense, along with some cluth hitting to get the wins.

The beginning of the first game started off with a battle of the pitching staffs. Senior hurler Patrina Smith struck out six and did not allow a Wildcat hit until the top of the fourth. The Wildcats were held to two hits in the game, but had many chances to score off Toros errors.

Chico State's best opportunity to mark the scoreboard was in the top of the second when two Toro errors put Wildcat runners in scoring position. But once again, Smith and the defense was able to come through, getting out of the inning without any damage.

The Toros also struggled from the plate. They were only able to get a single from Janie Olivas until the bottom of the sixth when they opened things up, getting three hits, including a double by Sasha Shell. The scoring began when leadoff Daisy Flores nailed a single into center field. Pinch runner Jo Orozco was advanced to third. Then Sasha Shell was at the bat. Shell sent one deep into center field to drive home the go-ahead run. Dani Proctor followed Shell's example, hitting a single, scoring Shell.

The Toros defense stayed strong in the top of the seventh and CSUDH was able to come up with the win. It was Smith's 12th win of the season and her fifth shutout of the year. The Toros ace now is 12-7 overall.

The second game of the series started off much the same way. There was no early scoring,but it was obvious that the Toros were warmed up from the plate with three early hits, including ones by Daisy Flores and Dani Proctor, who both recorded hits in game one.

The Toros scoring drive began in the bottom of the fourth, when freshman Valerie Long drove one deep down the left field line for two bases. Long brought home Orozco and Barranco, to put the Toros ahead 2-0.

There was also tough defense by the Toros. The Wildcats would swing away and hit them deep, but the Toros outfield would come up with big plays. But the Wildcats would not go down without a fight. In a last ditch effort, the Wildcats put together a two-hit rally in the top of the seventh, scoring one run. With the tying run in scoring position, the Toros decided to bring in Patrina Smith. Ro Lutz was strong on 3B, cleanly fielding the line drive and throwing out the batter to retire the inning. The Toros recorded the 2-1 win and the sweep of Chico State.

Tracy Barrientos earned the win for CSUDH. She is now 7-3 on the season. Patrina Smith, who earned the shutout win in game won, was awarded the save. It was her second on the season.

Chico State fell to 13-13 in the CCAA and 22-20 overall. The Toros gained ground in the CCAA race with the two wins. They are now 16-8 in the CCAA and 26-15 overall. They will face top-ranked UC Davis in action tomorrow.