April 13, 2004
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - California pitcher Kristina Thorson allowed no hits in five innings in leading the fifth-ranked Bear softball team to a 5-0 victory over Santa Clara University this afternoon in non-conference action at Marsalli Park. The Bears out-hit the Broncos 8-1 as they improve to 36-6 on the season. Santa Clara falls to 18-23.
The game remained scoreless and hitless through four innings, but Cal made a move in the top of the fifth.
Catcher Haley Woods led off the inning with a home run to left center. Bear bats stayed hot, as second baseman Jessica Pamanian followed with a double to center and advanced to third on a bunt single from short stop Chelsea Spencer. Spencer stole second, and a Bronco throwing error allowed Cal another runner in. Roni Rodrigues reached on a fielder's choice and moved to second on an attempted pick off by the Broncos on Spencer. Spencer scored as the officials ruled obstruction on the Bronco defense.
One out later, Cal added another run with an RBI single from right fielder Alex Sutton. With two outs, the Bears loaded the bases: Vicky Galindo reached on a fielder's choice, Lindsay James reached on an error, and Kaleo Eldredge registered an infield single. Woods, at bat again, recorded the third out. The inning ended with four Bear runs on five hits, with two Bronco errors.
Back-to-back singles in the sixth led to another Cal run.
Santa Clara notched its first hit of the game in the bottom of the seventh. Sophomore second baseman Jenny Brown singled to left field to lead off the inning. The rally was short-lived however, as Kelly Anderson struck out the side.
The Broncos will close out the home season with four games this weekend at Marsalli Park. Santa Clara will host Pacific Coast Softball Conference opponent Saint Mary's on Saturday at Sunday, with both doubleheaders starting at noon. Admission is free.