April 4, 2001
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball team fell twice to Sacramento State this evening in non-conference action at Marsalli Park. Game scores were 2-0 and 6-2 to drop the Broncos' record to 11-26 on the season. The Hornets improve to 14-21.
In the opening game, Sacramento State posted its first run in the top of the sixth inning when first baseman Meghan Cunningham's two-out single to left center brought in designated player Jennifer Jokinen. Jokinen had reached base on balls and advanced to second on second baseman's Lori Meixner's sacrifice bunt and moved to third when catcher Patty Villa grounded out to third base.
The Hornets stung again in the third when Jokinen's sacrifice fly scored right fielder Amber Dragomir, but it was marked unearned after two consecutive Santa Clara errors placed Dragomir into scoring position. Sacramento State finished with seven hits and no errors, and moved pitcher Jillian Bivert's record to 4-7 on the season. Bronco pitcher Krista Barry took the loss and fell to 7-11 on the year. Santa Clara managed only three hits, including a double by junior first baseman Kristi Harrington.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Hornets recorded six runs over seven innings of play. Three of their runs were produced in the second inning, which opened with a triple by the designated player Jokinen, who scored on a double by Villa. The next batter grounded out to the Bronco shortstop bringing Arlette Sunseri to the plate. She reached on an error and was given second on a ground rule double as the ball went out of play, scoring Villa. The following Hornet batters then drove in Sunseri. Sacramento State would score one run in the fourth, fifth, and sixth inning of the game.
The Broncos produced a run in the second inning, which began with pitcher Deanna Rodriguez reaching first on an error by the Hornet pitcher. Rodriguez was moved to third as the next two Santa Clara batters, Jennifer Henderson and Coresta Salas, grounded out. Second baseman Lauren Fissori then singled to right field scoring Rodriguez. In the third inning, Harrington tripled and was driven in by Tracie Hall, to record the Broncos second run of the game.
The Santa Clara pitcher Deanna Rodriguez moves to 4-14 on the season as the Hornet pitcher Nicole Deatherage improves to 7-9.
The Broncos remain at home and will host another midweek doubleheader next Wednesday, April 11, when San Jose State visits Marsalli Park. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m.
