Idaho State maintained its lead in the Big Sky Conference standings on April 17 by sweeping a doubleheader against Sacramento State at Miller Ranch Stadium, winning 7-5 and 8-0. The victories improved the Bengals’ record to 32-16 overall and 8-3 in conference play.
The wins are important as they keep Idaho State at the top of the conference, strengthening their position ahead of upcoming games and giving them momentum for a potential series sweep.
In Game 1, Idaho State overcame an early deficit after Sacramento State took a 2-0 lead through three innings. Kasey Aguinaga pitched for the Bengals and delivered a crucial bases-loaded strikeout to keep her team within reach. “Even once it got to two to zero, she did a great job of keeping us in the game,” head coach Andrew Rich said. “She had a huge strikeout with the bases loaded that kept the game two to zero and gave our offense a chance, and then we used that momentum to take the lead.” The Bengals rallied with three runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by Sydney Groves’ two-run double. In the fifth inning, Groves hit a grand slam on a 3-1 pitch. “She got a 3-1 pitch, got a good pitch that was elevated and didn’t miss it,” Rich said. “She’s swinging a really good bat right now.” Aguinaga earned her fourteenth win of the season while Lizzy Tommasini recorded her third save.
Game 2 saw pitcher Marley Goluskin hold Sacramento State scoreless over nearly six innings as Idaho State’s offense erupted early with four runs in the first inning. Ava Brown delivered key hits including a two-run double while Groves added her second home run of the day with three RBIs overall. Goluskin improved her record to nine wins this season. “Marley was awesome in the second game,” Rich said. “She was really spotting up, and when she’s spotting up and throwing her changeup, she’s tough.” Goluskin added: “I just need to trust my defense and trust my offense and make sure that I’m doing what I need to do; I know that they have my back.” Camryn McDonald credited teamwork for offensive success: “Hitters talk to each other and we have our charts in the dugout that we study… Sticking to the plan we have as we go up really helps get base hits and keep it moving throughout the game.”
The Bengals have now won four consecutive games—eight out of their last ten—and remain strong at home with seventeen wins from twenty-one games this season.
Looking ahead, Idaho State has an opportunity for a series sweep against Sacramento State on Saturday during Senior Day celebrations. Rich said his team must stay focused: “They’re gonna play a little bit of desperate softball tomorrow… We gotta come and be locked in from the very beginning.” He added: “So excited to see how this group comes out tomorrow and really excited to celebrate seniors and hopefully send them out with a win.”
