Chalmers Blanks CSUN, Hyland Makes Big West History as Cal Poly Splits

Saturday, April 22

Northridge, CA

1 pm

28-14, 4-6

CSUN

26-15, 6-4

Cal Poly

CSUN

Chalmers Blanks CSUN, Hyland Makes Big West History as Cal Poly Splits

4/22/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

NORTHRIDGE – Senior righthander Sierra Hyland struck out eight CSUN hitters in a complete-game, two-hitter and become the first pitcher in the 33-year history of Big West Conference softball to record 900-plus career strikeouts, but the Cal Poly softball program opened a Saturday doubleheader and three-game series at CSUN by dropping a 4-3 decision. The Mustangs, however, received a complete-game, five-hitter with four strikeouts from junior righthander Lindsey Chalmers (above) in game No. 2 as the Mustangs prevailed, 2-0.

During Saturday's opening game, Cal Poly (29-14, 5-6) produced the matchup's opening lead in the top of the first inning. With two down and junior center fielder Amanda Sandoval on second, Hyland batted a ball to CSUN third baseman Jessica Alexander, who overthrew first baseman Katie Hooper. The error allow Sandoval to score for a 1-0 lead.

The Matadors (26-16, 6-5), however, wrested the lead at their first opportunity. With two outs and two Matadors on, CSUN left fielder Madison Fleming dropped a two-out single to left field to bring home center fielder Taylor Glover. Five pitches later, CSUN shortstop Savannah Horvath homered to right center field to place the Matadors up, 4-1.

After conceding the four-run first inning, Hyland (17-9) failed to allow a hit the remainder of the afternoon and let just one CSUN baserunner into scoring position during the final six innings.

Her record 900th career strikeout came with one down in the third inning as she fanned Fleming on three pitches.

Meanwhile, Cal Poly – which stranded seven baserunners – was kept to one hit between the second and fifth innings before climbing back into the result in the top of the sixth. With Hyland on through a fielder's choice and freshman first baseman Hailey Martin having reached on CSUN's fourth error of the game, senior left fielder Courtney Tyler produced a one-out double to cut the Matador lead to 4-2. Sophomore designated player Megan Nordin then chopped a single over the head of Alexander at third base to plate freshman pinch runner Alyssa McKiernan for a 4-3 deficit.

CSUN reliever Taylor Troost then walked sophomore right fielder Sydney James to load the bases. Troost, however, recovered to force a pop out from senior second baseman Ashley Tornio before inducing a groundout by junior shortstop Chelsea Convissar to end the threat.

Cal Poly was then retired in order in the top of the seventh to close the game.

During Saturday's second game, Chalmers (11-5) allowed a hit during each of her first three innings, but kept CSUN scoreless – including stranding the bases loaded to close the second by striking out right fielder Mackenzie Babbitt.

Offensively, Cal Poly was held without a baserunner until the top of the fourth when the Mustangs scratched out the eventual winning runs. Convissar opened the inning by drawing a leadoff walk and, after two successive Mustang outs – including a Sandoval ground out that moved the first Mustang in scoring position – Hyland slapped a ball that CSUN second baseman Pudi Hernandez was unable to pull out of her glove. Convissar moved to third on the play and rounded the bag before evading Hernandez's throw to catcher Karlie Habitz as the Mustang snared a 1-0 lead. Tyler and Martin followed with Cal Poly's first hits of game No. 2 – the second of which scored Hyland to double the Mustang lead.

Given the lead, Chalmers retired seven consecutive Matadors before Hooper singled with one down in the bottom of the sixth. Chalmers, however, forced Fleming to hit into a ground ball double play to end the inning. In the seventh, she allowed a leadoff double to Horvath before retiring the final three Matadors.

Chalmers, who tossed 69.3 percent of her 88 pitches for strikes, walked just two in victory.

Cal Poly completes its three-game series at CSUN on Sunday, April 23 with a 1 p.m. matchup.