Kate Penberthy’s two-run home run in the fifth inning gave Boise State a 5-3 win over Fresno State on March 20. The game, played in Boise, saw the Broncos come back from a three-run deficit to secure the victory.
The result is significant for Boise State (16-17, 2-2 Mountain West), as it marks the first time since March 18, 2022 that the team has won a conference game after trailing by at least three runs in the fifth inning or later against Fresno State.
Fresno State (12-12, 1-3) took an early lead with a run in the second inning and added two more in the third following a home run. Boise State struggled offensively through four innings, managing only one hit and not hitting any balls out of the infield. However, they loaded the bases with one out in the fifth. Jorja Crider delivered a deep sacrifice fly to put Boise State on the board. In the sixth inning, Skylar Stroh doubled and Marissa Gonzalez singled before defensive errors by Fresno State allowed both runners to score and tie the game at three runs each.
Penberthy then hit her sixth home run of the season to give Boise State its first lead of the night. Loula-Rae McNamara (5-1) pitched in relief and retired all five batters she faced, striking out three to earn the win. McNamara now leads NCAA Division I with 27 appearances this season and has not allowed a hit over her last three relief outings.
The game drew a season-high attendance of 821 fans. Penberthy currently leads Boise State with three go-ahead home runs this year.
Boise State and Fresno State will continue their three-game Mountain West series on Saturday at 2 p.m.
