SACRAMENTO, Calif.- The USD Toreros traveled to Sacramento, California, for a highly contested non-conference softball series against Sacramento State. While the Hornets claimed both games of Saturday’s doubleheader, 5-1 and 3-1, San Diego found their rhythm in the series finale, taking home the win to avoid the sweep.
Head coach MJ Knighten utilized a strategic three-pitcher rotation to keep the Hornets off balance. Kaitlyn Bartlow delivered a standout performance in Saturday's second game, stifling Sacramento’s high-powered offense by surrendering only three runs over six innings. In the series finale, Kelsey Tadlock got the start, with Bartlow and Charlie Johnson providing middle relief before Tadlock returned to the circle in the seventh to close it out.
The offense remained quiet for much of the finale until the sixth inning when Kaylee Oh broke the scoreless deadlock with an RBI single to center, driving in Mallory Axline.
USD celebrates after their win against Cal Poly Feb. 28. Thomas Christensen / USD Athletics
The defense held firm in high-pressure moments, specifically at the bottom of the sixth. Shawnese Hogue-Lacey played hero, executing a crucial tag at the plate to preserve a then 1-0 lead.
After Sacramento forced extras in the bottom of the seventh, the Toreros' bats came alive in the eighth. Hogue-Lacey ripped a single to left-center to move the runners, followed by a clutch RBI from Oh. Hailey Mulligan then doubled to center field, providing a vital insurance run. Though Sacramento loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth and threatened a comeback, Tadlock induced a flyout to left field to secure the 3-2 victory.
After almost a three-hour game, the Toreros proved their resilience, walking away with a hard-earned victory and the momentum needed as they head back home.
Next Up
The Toreros will head to Corvallis, Oregon, to open conference play next weekend against Oregon State. These teams will play on Friday (6 p.m.), Saturday (2 p.m.), and Sunday (12 p.m.). The Toreros will be back in San Diego the following weekend, starting on Thursday, April 2 at 6 p.m. Get tickets to USD’s home games here.
