The UNM softball team offset its mediocre performance in a 2-1 win over Colorado State University in game one of a doubleheader Saturday by pumping up its offense for an 11-0 win in game two.
Bouncing back from a weak offensive effort in game one, the second game showcased the Lobos at their offensive and defensive best, with strong showings from all players.
UNM shortstop Marianna Fenelli was a factor in both Lobo wins, hitting the only home run in either game, to finish with five RBIs. She also played strong defense with several key plays.
UNM pitcher Amy Dumas followed Lobo Hayley Punter’s strong first-game performance with one of her own. Although Dumas only struck out four batters to Punter’s 12, she nailed the strike zone with speed and accuracy, relying on her fastballs and curve balls to keep the Rams off balance. She allowed only two hits.
UNM head coach Susan Craig said Punter, Dumas and Fenelli play huge parts in most of the Lobos’ wins.
“Fenelli had just a great day,” Craig said Saturday. “She didn’t have the best weekend. We played Utah, she was feeling sick, but today she just made every play. She did great at bat and finished off with a homerun — second homerun this year — it really got us charged up.”
Fenelli added that she felt it was her focus that helped her out both at the plate and in the field. She said her homerun was a surprise because the wind picked up the ball and sent it over the fence.
“You know, I was just happy to hit the damn ball,” Fenelli said.
Colorado State pitcher Erin Murray had no speed or control to lead the Rams. Murray’s only weapon was a changeup that only fazed the Lobos through the first two innings. After the Lobos readjusted and started to read her pitches, she lost any edge she had.
Murray was relieved in the fourth inning by Kyla Kiester, who pitched the first game and by then not only had a tired arm, but little control. UNM also took advantage of the poor offensive showing by Colorado State by producing nine hits — the last one in the sixth inning being Fenelli’s home run.
UNM’s offensive strength was not limited to its base hits, but its base running as well. Fenelli, catcher Tiffani Chambers, third baseman Rachel Wennekamp and Glass all stole bases. The Lobos were also successful in moving base runners with sacrifice bunts.
The sixth inning showed the Lobos at their best. They got eight base hits and scored eight runs, leaving Colorado State, who had already lost their confidence somewhere back in the fourth inning, ready to go home.
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In game one, the Lobos produced only four hits against Colorado State pitcher Kiester. UNM scored one of its two runs in the second inning when third baseman Michelle Carter scored on an error by Colorado State third baseman Angie Kitchen.
The Rams scored their only run in the third inning after an error by UNM right fielder Krissy Keene sent Colorado State catcher Arica Heisel to third base. Another error by UNM left fielder Cayley Warner sent Heisel home.
UNM answered CSU’s unearned run in the bottom of the seventh inning when shortstop Fenelli doubled to right field that pushed Warner across the plate. One bright spot in the first game was from UNM pitcher Punter, who found the strike zone with little effort, logging 12 strikeouts — three in the first inning. She allowed only three hits.
UNM played smart both games, trying to get through the doubleheader with as few errors possible against the Rams who have won only three games this year. Craig said the team still needs work in all areas to get better for upcoming games.
She said the team’s offense looked good once it got in its rhythm in the second game.
“We were anxious, we didn’t have as many good at bats that first game, but the pitchers held out for us today and did a great job keeping us in the ball game,” Craig said.
The Lobos finished out the day with 15 hits, 13 runs and 16 strikeouts.
UNM plays San Diego State University Friday, April 13 at Lobo Field.