March 2, 2012

Final Stats

FULLERTON, Calif. - The No. 1/2 California softball team scored in all but two innings on Friday morning as the Golden Bears cruised to an 8-1 victory over FIU on the opening day of Cal State Fullerton's DeMarini Invitational.

Both Valerie Arioto and Danielle Henderson each drove in two runs while Jace Williams, Cheyenne Cordes and Lindsey Ziegenhirt all chipped in an RBI apiece to help Cal move to 13-0 overall.

"It was a team effort on both offense and defense," Ziegenhirt said. "Everyone came out with the bats and strung together some big hits."

FIU avoided the shutout and an eventual mercy by tacking on a run in the top of the fourth. The Panthers fell to 7-8. The Panthers split pitching duties and earned runs between starter Mariah Dawson (3.2 innings pitched, five earned runs off eight hits and four walks) and reliever Shelby Graves (2.1 innings pitched, three earned runs on three hits and two walks).

Valerie Arioto pitched the seven-inning gem, giving up three hits without an earned run while striking out seven. Arioto improved to 6-0 on the season.

Bottom of the First - FIU 0, Cal 2:

Britt Vonk beat out a swinging bunt, Valerie Arioto walked and both moved into scoring position thanks to a Jace Williams ground out. Vonk came home off a Cheyenne Henderson bases-loaded walk and Arioto scored thanks to a Danielle Hendersonbase hit.

With Jace Williams at second and two outs, Danielle Hendersonsent the ball into shallow left field, plating Williams.

Top of the Fourth - FIU 1, Cal 3:

Peller reached on a fielder's choice, went to second when McClain grounded out to second and came home on a Rojas hit through the left side.

Bottom of the Fourth - FIU 1, Cal 5:

Jamia Reidserved as Cal's first baserunner with a slap over the third baseman's head. Getting her fifth steal of the year, Reid moved to second and then home when Arioto drove the ball into the right-field cover for an RBI. FIU put in a new pitcher, but it did not do much for Williams scored Arioto with a line drive to right.

Bottom of the Fifth - FIU 1, Cal 8:

Cordes took her third walk of the game and then held at third when Danielle Henderson doubled down the left-field line. With her second sacrifice fly of the year, Lindsey Ziegenhirt scored Cordes. Echavarria was hit by pitch, stole second and took third while Henderson scored on a catcher's error. The Bears juiced the bases with Jamia Reidsingling and Vonk walking for Arioto to score Echavarria on a fielder's choice.

Next Time on the Diamond:

The Bears take on Southern Miss at 1:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon in Fullerton.