SB | Spartans Sneak Past Gaels Late - SMC California Athletics

Friday, February 26

Moraga, CA

1:00 PM

Saint Mary's College of California

5-5

San Jose State

1-3

San Jose State

Saint Mary's

Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner

SB | Spartans Sneak Past Gaels Late

2/26/2021 9:24:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's (5-5) came back after being down early to San Jose State and momentarily held a lead over the Spartans but a big 4-run inning late in the game would give SJSU their first win of the season, 7-4.

The Spartans (1-3) scored two in the first but SMC immediately answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the frame. Marissa Montelongo smacked a double to centerfield, stole third, and then came around to score on a squeeze bunt to put the Gaels on the board.

In the following inning, Julia McCormack reached base on a single and then crossed home plate on a passed ball a few batters later to tie the game. SJSU would pick up another run in the third of the third to retake the lead however.

In the bottom of the fifth, Alyssa Vessel laced a grounder over the first base bag and sped around the bases for an easy triple with one out. Marissa Nishihara came up the bat next and lined a pitch into center to tie the score for the second time. Montelongo followed suit with a single and then the pair of Marissas executed a double steal to both move into scoring position.

With Hannah Chew at the plate, Nishihara took off as the Spartans catcher threw the ball back to her pitcher and successfully stole home to give SMC a 4-3 lead. Montelongo was caught trying to advance however to end the inning.

In the top of the sixth, SJSU scored four runs to take the lead and the score would ultimately hold for the remainder of the ballgame. Ashley Rico delivered the big blow to the Gaels with a 3-run homer off the scoreboard to put her team on top.

SMC had nine hits in the contest with two going for extra bases. Montelongo and Sasa Koria each had multi-hit games.

UP NEXT: SAN JOSE STATE
The teams will have a day off on Saturday before returning to Cottrell Field for a doubleheader beginning at noon. Links for the game can be found on the team's schedule page.

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