“I keep the same mentality, just go out there and attack, no matter what.”
By Al Scott
Thanks to a relentless offense and a great pitching performance from right-hander Kaleb Hay, the Fresno State Bulldogs (8-11) defeated Nevada 13-0 to take the series over the Wolf Pack and open up Mountain West Conference play with a 2-1 record.
Fresno State beats Nevada 13-0 to take the series and open up MWC play at 2-1.
— Al Scott (@AlScott1998) March 16, 2025
Kaleb Hay struck out 10 in seven shutout frames, allowing no runs on five hits for his first win as a Bulldog.
“I keep the same mentality, just go out there and attack.” pic.twitter.com/0pAk0cP6UL
How did Fresno State shutout the Nevada Wolf Pack?
The Bulldogs scored three runs in the second inning including an RBI single from second baseman Eddie Saldivar.
In the top of the third, Hay worked out of a jam, leaving a pair of Wolf Pack runners stranded. In the bottom half of the inning, catcher Justin Stransky belted a two-run home run over the left field wall, his second long ball in as many days. Fresno State added on three more in the fifth inning, including a two-run double from Saldivar.
After another scoreless frame from Hay in the sixth, Fresno State sent 10 men to the plate in the bottom half of the inning, scoring five runs to make it 13-0 Bulldogs.
Despite reaching uncharted territory using 111 pitches on the day, Hay held strong and got through the seventh inning to secure the shutout. The redshirt junior secured his first win as a Bulldog while striking out 10 and allowing just five hits in addition to a walk.
“I keep the same mentality, just go out there and attack, no matter what inning or counters whatever, just go out there and attack. And I know I have my defense behind me to help out,” Hay said.
Saldivar credits Hay for “setting the tone on the day. Saldivar himself finished the weekend with five doubles including two on Sunday as part of a 5-for-5 performance. He also drove in 4 runs in the rout.
“It starts with the guys in front of me, and they did a good job of getting on base and working long at bats,” Saldivar said.
Game 1 of Fresno State’s series vs Nevada (March 15)
In game one of the doubleheader Saturday, starter Jack Anker was roughed up, allowing seven runs in the first three innings. He pitched a scoreless fourth inning before his day was over, allowing seven runs on nine hits and five walks, while striking out five.
Trailing 7-2, the Bulldog offense erupted in the bottom of the fifth inning to score 11 runs. Saldivar had a bases clearing double, right fielder Bobby Blandford had an RBI triple and third baseman Murf Gray had a pair of RBI doubles in the inning as part of Fresno State’s second 11+ run inning at home this season (2/23/25 vs Cal State Fullerton).
The Bulldogs finished the day with a program record nine doubles in the game as they defeated Nevada 15-12 in an offensive back-and-forth affair.
Drew Townson got his second win of the season, striking out a pair in 1.2 innings of work. JT Guerrero got the last four outs to receive the save.
Game 2 of Fresno State’s series vs Nevada (March 15)
Starter Aidan Cremarosa dropped to 2-3 on the season allowing five runs (two earned) across five innings. A three-run home run from Wolf Pack center fielder Jackson Waller played a big role in Nevada’s victory.
Fresno State was able to score three runs in the bottom of the third inning, including a pair of RBI singles from Gray and Stransky.
What’s next for Fresno State?
The Bulldogs travel south this Tuesday for a mid-week matchup at Cal State Bakersfield. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.
The starter for the game has yet to be decided. The Bulldogs are currently missing starters Jake Riding and Victor Arreola, both out indefinitely, according to Head Coach Ryan Overland.