Hyland Leads Cal Poly to 6-1 Win at Fresno State

Saturday, March 15

Fresno, CA

3:45 pm

14-11

Fresno State

13-10

Cal Poly

Fresno State

Hyland Leads Cal Poly to 6-1 Win at Fresno State

3/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. — A five-run third inning, coupled with another dominant performance in the circle from freshman Sierra Hyland, lifted the Cal Poly softball team to a 6-1 win over the host of the Fresno State Classic on Saturday afternoon at Bulldog Diamond.

After a scoreless first two innings, sophomore first baseman Breana West drew a walk to lead off the third, before senior second baseman Ashley Romano was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat.

Freshman Shawna McDonough, who came in to pinch-run for West, came home on a throwing error from third base following a sac bunt by senior centerfielder Lauren Moreno.

Senior third baseman Jillian Andersen then drove in Romano on a fielder's choice placed up the middle for a 2-0 lead.

Two batters later, Hyland helped her own cause, belting a two-out single to center field to score Moreno.

After senior catcher Mariah Cochiolo got on with a single to third base, the Mustangs benefited from another hit batsman. This time freshman first baseman Courtney Tyler was credited with the RBI, resulting in a 4-0 lead.

Senior shortstop Kim Westlund completed the flurry by singling to center, plating freshman pinch-runner Taylor Yzaguirre.

Fresno State (13-10) responded by getting on the board in the bottom of the inning, thanks to a single to right by Michelle Solomon that drove in Brenna Moss. Cal Poly (14-11) tacked on another run in the fourth, however, as a sac fly by Hyland allowed Moreno to score for the second time on the day.

Meanwhile, Hyland (11-4), the reigning Big West Conference Pitcher of the Week, scattered three hits in the win.

She had eight strikeouts against just one walk, and 78 of her 109 pitches went for strikes.

Moreno finished 2 for 3. Hyland was 2 for 4, finishing with the two RBI, while Westlund also went 2 for 4 with her RBI.

Cal Poly won by the five-run margin despite stranding seven.

The Mustangs, who've now won nine out of their past 12 games, will conclude the tournament Sunday, starting against New Mexico State at 11:15 a.m., before taking on Saint Mary's at 1:30 p.m.