Thomas, Minter Hurl Shutouts as CSUDH Gives Toros Softball Head Coach Jim Maier 200th Win
Perry-Brown enjoys 6-for-6 performance as Toros sweep set from University of Mary, 3-0 & 14-0
February 28, 2006

Complete Box Scores
Game 1          Game 2

Carson, CA -- Cal State Dominguez Hills senior Cindy Perry-Brown (Victorville, CA/Silverado HS) reached base four times while sophomore Amy Thomas (Barstow, CA/Barstow HS) allowed just three hits as the Toros blanked the University of Mary (N.D.), 3-0, in game one of a non-conference softball doubleheader on Toro Diamond. The Toros, led by Perry-Brown’s 4-for-4 effort and Pebbel Prestwood (Hesperia, CA/Sultana HS/CS Stanislaus) three RBI, erupted for 14 runs in the nightcap, using Kristine Minter (Chula Vista, CA/Hampton University) two-hit gem to take the 14-0 decision in game two.

Toros softball head coach Jim Maier after his 200th win, flanked by Amy Thomas (L), the winning pitcher, and Cindy Perry-Brown (R), who scored the game-winner. Photo courtesy Brendan Dally

With the sweep, including a game-one win that gave Toros head coach Jim Maier his 200th-career victory at CSUDH, the Toros improve to 17-1 while UM falls to 0-4.

Thomas was the story early in game one, retiring 16-consecutive batters after Meghan Ward singled to left field to start the contest, fanning four over that stretch to improve to 6-0 on the year. UM starter Jaime Naglosky also was up to the challenge early, retiring five-consecutive Toros after Perry-Brown led off the bottom of the 1st with a single. The Toros broke through in their 5th-inning at-bat, using a Perry-Brown walk and stolen base, a Lori Moreno (Los Angeles, CA/California HS) single and a Marauder error to score the first of two runs in the frame, the final run courtesy of a Jen Wilson (Orange, CA/Bellflower HS/CS Fullerton) bases-loaded walk. CSUDH would add an insurance run one inning later, as a Natalie Greco (Downey, CA/Warren HS) walk was cashed in on the second and final UM error, giving Naglosky the hard-luck loss (0-2).

In the nightcap, the Toros continued their offense from the previous game, grasping a quick 2-0 lead in the 1st, courtesy of a Kate Groden (San Pedro, CA/San Pedro HS/SE Missouri Univ.) RBI double and Prestwood sacrifice fly. One inning later, CSUDH left no doubt about game two’s outcome, scoring six runs on seven hits, the big blows coming on a Jackie Miller (Bremerton, WA/Central Kitsap HS/CS Stanislaus) 2-RBI single and a Linda Reyes (Garden Grove, CA/Pacifica HS/St. John’s) 2-RBI double to left center. One inning later, the Toros tacked on six more runs on the board as an Elicia Velazquez (San Diego, CA/Mt. Carmel HS/Palomar JC) 2-RBI single and a 2-run Marauder error capped the scoring.

That would be more than enough for Minter, the reigning CCAA Pitcher of the Week. After allowing a leadoff walk to UM’s Kristi Wist to begin the game, Minter retired 12-consecutive batters and took a no-hitter into the 5th and final inning, where Meghan Ward left off the frame by beating out a single to shortstop, and was followed by a Lonnie Polkow single to left field. Minter would buckle down and retire Erin Butori on an infield fly, and then induce Hatty Rossow to ground to Perry-Brown at third for a game-ending double play.

Minter (6-0) allowed just two hits, fanning six Marauders against one walk, while UM starter Jessica Olson lasted just 1.2 innings, giving up seven earned runs in her first start of the season (0-1).

On the afternoon, Perry-Brown reached base in all eight at-bats and scored three runs, while Prestwood (3), Miller (2), Velazquez (2) and Reyes (2) each drove in multiple RBI in the sweep.

Maier reached the 200-win plateau in just 5+ seasons at the helm of the Toros softball program, after averaging 36.8 wins per season in each of his first five campaigns. He led CSUDH to the CCAA title last season, and has a record of 201-101-2 at CSUDH after today’s wins, good for a 66.4% winning percentage.

The Toros continue with consecutive conference road games at Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday, March 4, followed by a showdown against always-tough Cal State Bakersfield on Friday, March 10. CSUDH is back in town on Friday, March 17, for a twinbill against Grand Canyon, with first pitch of game one scheduled for 12 noon.