Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
26-29
#2 Sacramento State
26-22
Comeback ‘Cats secure 8-7 win over Hornets, advance to face Idaho State
5/8/2025 1:43:00 PM | Softball
Weber State will face No. 1 Idaho State at a time TBA.
The Hornets came out strong, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning thanks to a two-RBI home run and an RBI single.
Weber State made an early pitching change in the second inning, bringing in freshman RJ Parra to relieve junior Cali McCraw. Parra allowed one hit and one run before Jayci Finch entered the circle later in the inning. Finch's solid pitching helped the Wildcats escape the jam and retire the side.
In the top of the third, the Wildcats got on the board with runners in scoring position. An Emma Bingham groundout brought Riley Whalen home for Weber State's first run, followed by a Sadie Kirk RBI single to cut the deficit to 4-2.
Sacramento State added three more runs in the bottom of the fourth, extending their lead to 7-2.
Weber State's comeback began in the fifth, sparked by a solo home run to center field by Sadie Kirk.
The Wildcats offense surged again in the sixth. A stand-up triple by Taegan Smith drove in two runs, narrowing the deficit to 7-5. Bingham then followed with an RBI single to bring the score to 7-6.
In the top of the seventh, Birkinshaw and Jordan McMahon reached base to set up the go-ahead play. Riley Whalen then delivered a clutch two-RBI triple, giving Weber State its first lead of the game at 8-7.
Finch held firm in the bottom of the seventh, locking in the win with strong defense and sealing the Wildcat comeback. The senior finished the game with seven strikeouts while facing 27 batters to earn her fourth win of the season (4-6).
Taegan Smith led Weber State with three hits. Whalen, Smith, Bingham and Kirk each recorded two RBI in the victory.
Keeping up with the 'Cats
- All Big Sky Tournament games will be streamed on ESPN+.
- Live stats can be found at WeberStateSports.com.
- To stay up to date with the softball team, follow them on Instagram and X.
- The Weber State Athletics mobile app allows fans to find results, schedules, rosters and news quickly. Available for iPhone and Android users, search "Weber State Wildcats" and download the app today.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Finch, Jayci (4-6)
L: Ortiz, A. (6-7)
Batting:
2B: Smith, Taegan 1
3B: Whalen, Riley 1 ; Smith, Taegan 1
HR: Kirk, Sadie 1
RBI: Whalen, Riley 2 ; Smith, Taegan 2 ; Bingham, Emma 2 ; Kirk, Sadie 2
SH: Smith, Taegan 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Whalen, Riley 2 ; Smith, Taegan 2 ; Kirk, Sadie 1 ; Birkinshaw, Olivia 1 ; McMahon, Jordan 2
Batting:
2B: Marsh, K. 1 ; Lira, A. 1
HR: Marsh, K. 1
RBI: Marsh, K. 2 ; Lira, A. 1 ; Evers-Lyles 2 ; Garcia, S. 1
SH: Birch, J. 1
SF: Garcia, S. 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Malepeai, L. 2 ; Marsh, K. 1 ; Lira, A. 2 ; Avila, K. 1 ; Birch, J. 1
CS: Evers-Lyles 1
HBP: Malepeai, L. 1 ; Birch, J. 1
