The Wildcats softball team swept Cal State San Bernardino in a double header Friday, defeating the Coyotes 4-0 in the first game and rallying for a 4-3 win in the second game.
Wildcats starting pitcher Haley Gilham and CCAA Pitcher of the Week shut down the Coyotes in game one with a complete game, two hit shutout, taking over Chico State softball’s top spot for most career wins with 60. On the season, Gilham is now 4-0 on the season with a 1.18 ERA, including one other complete game shutout to start the season.
During the first game, the Wildcats offense was primarily provided by Karli Skowrup and Claire Wayne. In the fifth inning, Skowrup delivered an RBI double to center to score two runs giving the Wildcats a 3-0 advantage. In the sixth inning, Wayne hit her second home run of the season, extending the lead to 4-0.
In the first inning of the second game of the doubleheader, outfielder Ari Marsh hit a two home run to get the Wildcats offense off to a quick start. This would be the first two of Marsh’s three RBIs on the day.
Bailey Akins hit a solo homerun in the fourth inning, bringing the Wildcats to 4-0 lead.
The Coyotes fought back, after a two run by catcher Jessica Brown to bring the score to 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. Amanda Flores came in for the last two outs of the game, striking out one for her first save on the season.
The ‘Cats and Coyotes continue play with another double header at 10 a.m. Saturday in San Bernardino.
Courtney Chapman can be reached at [email protected] or @courtneychaps on Twitter.