POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State Bengals bounced back in Big Sky Conference play and completed the series sweep vs the Montana Griz winning game three 9-0 in Missoula.
The Bengals (21-20, 3-3 BSC) move back to over .500 on the year and .500 in Big Sky Conference play.
Postgame Remarks
"It was great to get back into action after having games canceled last week," remarked Head Coach Andrew Rich. "Marley had another great day in the circle. She was in control and kept them off balance again. Our offense was very patient and took advantage of the opportunities given to them. Very proud of the full team effort all weekend and excited for a big week up ahead."
How it Happened: ISU 9 – Montana 0
Coming off of her 5-0 shutout victory yesterday, freshman pitcher Marley Goluskin once again got the call to pitch for the Bengals.
The Bengals' potent offense picked up where they left off yesterday with a Gracie Smith hitting a lead off triple, her second of the series. Olivia Robison then knocked a ball around the infield scoring Smith and giving the Bengals a 1-0 lead to start the game. The After the Bengal defense made quick work of the Griz in the bottom of the first, the ISU offense got back to work. After Alyssa Yee and Kennedy Dudley reached, Piper Tago started off a five-run inning for the Bengals with a ball hit to shortstop, that scored Yee. Camryn Mcdonald then knocked in Dudley with a single to short and the Bengals went up 3-0. Gracie Smith had her 2nd hit of the game, a single to shortstop that scored Mcdonald.
The inning was capped by Olivia Robison's double to left field that scored Paige Simpson and Gracie smith to put the Bengals up 6-0.
In the bottom of the second, The Griz hit a double and then advanced the runner on a flyout to right. With a runner on third and one out, Goluskin got to work, striking out the next batter and forcing a flyout to end the inning and preserve the shutout. The Bengals opened the fourth with two straight walks. The Griz then committed a throwing error and the two Bengals scored to put the Bengals up 8-0. After more walks, the Bengals loaded the bases and once again, a Griz walk led to Dudley crossing home plate. At the end of the top of the 4th, ISU held a dominant 9-0 lead over the Griz.
In the bottom of the fifth, facing the potential end of the game, the Griz led off with a single to center field. Rather than let the Griz back into the game, Goluskin and the defense went to work. Forcing a flyout and a fielders choice.
The final batter grounded out to second base and the Bengals were victorious in five innings over Montana.
Notes-
· The win was Goluskins second-straight shutout. In 12 innings pitched, the freshman was dominant, allowing 0 runs, only six hits and holding the opposing batting averge to a stifling .140 average.
· Gracie Smith and Camryn McDonald both hit .667 on the series with the Griz. Smith had seven hits on nine at bats with two triples and a double for a 1.222 Slugging percentage.
· As a team, the Bengals hit .375 with a .542 slugging and .478 on base percentage in the three games vs the Griz.
· The Bengals outscored the Griz 23-1 in three games with 20 RBIs.
On Deck
The Bengals head to Greeley, Colorado next week for a 2023 Championship rematch with the Northern Colorado Bears. The preseason no.'s one and two will duke it out over three games April 19-20.