Weber State softball rallies on Smith HR, holds on to beat PSU to open Big Sky tourney
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- Weber State’s Taegan Smith (10) reaches home after a two-run homer against Portland State in the Big Sky softball tournament on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Pocatello, Idaho.
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- Weber State’s Brooke Hatfield delivers a pitch against Portland State in the Big Sky softball tournament on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Pocatello, Idaho.
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- Weber State softball coach Mary Kay Amicone, right, speaks with players during the Big Sky softball tournament on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Pocatello, Idaho.
A disappointing end to its final series two weeks ago at Idaho State’s renovated Miller Ranch Field meant Weber State softball fell from a potential No. 1 seed all the way to fifth place.
That makes the Big Sky Conference tournament a longer road for WSU but, one game in on the same field in Pocatello, Idaho, the Wildcats are on the path.
No. 5 Weber State softball rallied late and held on tight for a 4-3 victory over No. 4 Portland State on Wednesday afternoon.
Trailing 2-1 in the seventh and after Mia Rushton led off by reaching via error, sophomore shortstop Taegan Smith, so she says, missed a bunt sign.
“I really wanted it for my team. (Brooke Hatfield) was throwing a great game,” Smith said. “I was just locked in. I saw my pitch and just attacked.”
Smith launched her seventh home run of the season, a two-run blast to center field that gave Weber a 3-2 lead.
“She’s clutch,” WSU head coach Mary Kay Amicone said. “She’s a dog.”
Kiaira Smith was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat. Riley Whalen ran in her place and crucially advanced around the bases on a groundout and two wild pitches to extend the lead to 4-2.
WSU (21-26) needed that run and an escape act from pitcher Hatfield. Hatfield gave up three earned runs on six hits in seven innings but walked six to find some trouble, especially in the seventh.
Emily Johansen hit a double to give Portland State (19-23) two runners in scoring position. So despite two fielder’s-choice outs to get baserunners, Hatfield’s walks to Lorraine Alo and Natalia Martinez pushed a run across and put the tying run at third with the bases loaded.
Hatfield and PSU outfielder Logan Riggenbach then tangled in a 10-pitch at-bat. With a full count, Hatfield threw four fastballs on the outside corner; Riggenbach fouled three off and lined the fourth up the first-base line.
But Mariyah Delgado was there for WSU and snared the liner just above the dirt to end the game.
WSU next plays No. 1 Northern Colorado at 9 a.m. Thursday.