Cal Poly fell short in both Saturday Mustang Classic games, losing 13-1 to Ball State and 15-6 against Oregon State.
Looking to bounce back after two low-scoring losses on Friday, Cal Poly’s improved offense was not enough to secure the program’s first win of the season.
The Mustangs made solid contact at the plate on Saturday, but the Beaver and Cardinal defenses were able to stop Cal Poly from capitalizing on their baserunners for the second day running.
“They are hitting the ball hard,” Head Coach Jenny Condon said. “When it goes right at a defender, there is nothing we can do… It’s going to go where it’s gonna go, but the odds will be in our favor at some point.”
Offensive Standouts
Senior catcher Julia Barnett turned the odds in her favor to begin the game against Oregon State. Barnett started the night with her second career home run, belting a ball to left-center.
“I was really on top of the ball during the first game, so I was trying to adjust and to meet the middle of the ball and swing at better pitches,” Barnett said. “I think we needed to get a little bit more momentum going into the next couple of at-bats after that loss.”
Later, in the bottom of the fifth, Barnett continued her tear at the plate, drilling a ball down the right-field line to drive in two more runs, shortening the Beaver lead to four.
Barnett has started the year off hot, hitting .583 so far in the opening weekend.
Moments later, junior third baseman Mylina Garza came through with a clutch double to left-center, driving in two more runs and closing the gap to 8-6 by the end of the inning.
However, Oregon State stopped Cal Poly at six, securing the win in the afternoon matchup.
Garza and Barnett lead the Mustangs with three RBIs each through the first four games.
Barnett said that grit has been a big focus for the team this season. This emphasis is meant to encourage the freshmen and motivate them to understand that “we’re trying to play for the Big West Championship,” Barnett explained.
The Mustang Classic so far has highlighted both bright spots and areas needing improvement as the Mustangs prepare for conference play.
Defensive trouble
Condon emphasized that the biggest takeaway from Saturday’s game is that the Mustangs need to improve their defensive plays.
“We’ve had some pretty good offense, but our defense and pitching need to get better…but we knew that coming in.”
The Mustangs rotated a total of five pitchers across both games, giving multiple arms a chance to contribute. Freshmen Bree Brennan and Natalie Camarena had the opportunity to showcase their talent on the mound, gaining valuable experience early in the season.
According to Condon, the Mustangs are still working to establish their roles and identity on the field. As they navigate through the early part of the season, the team is focused on refining their chemistry and finding consistency in all aspects of their game.
Eight new freshmen joined Cal Poly this year, and the shifted roster will continue to adapt throughout the season.
“We are still trying to find out what our identity is,” Condon said. It’s still early, we’re still young, and the good news is that we have a lot of ball games to play and to get better.”