The Idaho State softball team came up with two big innings against Northern Colorado in the final game of a Big Sky Conference series Saturday, beating the Bears 16-8 to complete the 3-game sweep in Pocatello.
Conference leading Idaho State scored five runs in the second inning at Miller Ranch Stadium and nine in the third to win in five innings for the second time in two days. The Bengals beat UNC 10-2 in five innings in the second game of a doubleheader Friday.
Idaho State had 15 hits with five home runs while improving to 5-1 in the Big Sky and 24-13 overall. UNC, the defending conference regular-season and tournament champion, is 3-3 in conference this year and 12-24 overall. The Bears swept Montana last weekend in their first series of the conference season.
UNC led ISU 4-1 after 1 1/2 innings. The Bears built their lead on a Nya Chacon double in the bottom of the first for a 3-0 lead and Katie Walling’s steal of home in the second.
The Bengals then busted out with their big innings. They scored five runs on five hits in the second inning with two home runs off UNC starting pitcher Isabelle DiNapoli. Gracie Smith tied the game 4-4 with a 3-run home run. Ava Brown put ISU up for good with a 2-run homer for a 6-4 lead.
DiNapoli (6-9) gave up eight runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts in two innings.
Idaho State tagged three Bears pitchers with nine runs on eight hits and three home runs in the third inning. The Bengals sent 12 batters to the plate against DiNapoli and relievers Tivoli Martinez and Grace Algrim. Belle Navarrette hit two 2-run home runs and Olivia Robison added another 2-run homer.
Idaho State beat UNC in two games in Greeley last year including a 20-7 victory in seven innings. The third game of the series was canceled because of inclement weather.
UNC’s next series is Friday and Saturday (April 11-12) at Sacramento State. The Bears return home for three games against Portland State April 18-19 at Gloria Rodriguez Field. The April 19 game begins at noon and will be the team’s senior day game.
