#22 Fresno State Softball Preview


Fresno State Bulldogs
Overall Rank: #22
Conference Rank: #1 Western Athletic Conference
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Veteran coach Margie Wright is back for her 27th season (1,258-427-1) after her team went 35-19 in 2011 and reached the NCAA Tournament for the 30th straight season. The Bulldogs tied for second in their conference and return 11 letter winners and five starters. They open the season February 9 in the Fresno State Kick-off Tourney against Toledo and play 35 home games, with the first 10 games at home.

2011:  35-19, 15-6
2011 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Margie Wright

Field Players:
The Bulldogs return 13 letter winners, led by pitcher/infielder Michelle Moses, pitcher Mackenzie Oakes, outfielder Andrea Ortega (.298) and infielder Brooke Ortiz (.315).  Nine newcomers are on the team including Houston transfer Stesha Brazil (.214), a proven newcomer in the infield and according to Wright, “she’s got a great bat.” Ortega and Ortiz were all-conference selections and were the team’s top two hitters. Ortiz started 25 games at second and 29 at third base. The Bulldogs will have virtually a new left-side of the infield. Ortega will be the team’s anchor in the outfield. “I think we will be exciting to watch,” said Wright.

Pitchers:
Moses and Oakes, both seniors, will anchor the pitching staff that Wright feels will be strong this season. Moses (.252) led the team in RBI (39), homers (12) and was fourth in the WAC in strikeouts (224) while compiling a 16-12 record. Oakes led the team with an 18-7 record in 31 appearances and 21 games started with a 2.49 ERA.

Who To Watch:
Moses and Oakes could propel the Bulldogs to one of their best years and the goal is to return to the College World Series. The Bulldogs haven’t been back since 1999, a year after taking home the title.

Final Projection:
This team has speed at the top and bottom this year with power in the middle and two veteran pitchers plus a couple of really good freshman pitchers. Fresno State is hoping to get over the hump this season and get to a super regional. “I am sick and tired of not making it to a super regional and going to the World Series,” said Wright, who is calling on seven seniors and nine new kids to make a difference where Fresno State softball ends up at the end of the season.

Projected Postseason: NCAA

Returning Leaders:
At Bats:  Brooke Ortiz, IF, 165
Hits:  Brooke Ortiz, IF, 52
Home Runs: Michelle Moses, IF/P, 12
RBIs: Michelle Moses, IF/P, 39
Runs:  Michelle Moses IF/P, 28
Stolen Bases: Brooke Ortiz, IF, 11

Wins:  Michelle Oakes, P, 18
Innings Pitched: Michelle Moses, P, 198.2
Strikeouts: Michelle Moses, P, 224
Saves: Michelle Moses, P, 2