ORLANDO – The Knights capped of their California trip with a 7-0 win over Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday, taking advantage of career performances from Gianna Mancha and Jada Cody to lead UCF to the victory.
Jada Cody had a career-high five RBI in the contest, including four from just one swing of the bat in the fourth inning as Cody hit her first career grand slam. Cody was 2-for-4 on the night and also had another RBI in the sixth to bring her total to a career-high five RBI. In total, UCF posted seven runs on seven hits in the victory.
The offense did their part to earn the win in the contest, but they were equally matched by the performance in the circle. Gianna Mancha earned the start Wednesday night and delivered, tossing a complete game shutout. Mancha allowed only two Titans hits and struck out five en route to her first shutout and sixth win of the season.
"Gianna started in the circle for us and it was one of the best games she has thrown for us and it was against a very good hitting team. Every pitch she threw was well executed.," said UCF Softball head coach Cindy Ball-Malone. "Jada Cody also had the big hit. She stayed mentally tough and put a good swing on a good pitch at the right time for us."
With the victory, UCF moves to 21-5-1 on the season.
KEY MOMENTS
- The Knights loaded the bases in the fourth and Juliana Wilson walked to drive in the first UCF run of the game.
- With the bases still loaded, Jada Cody hit a grand slam to left to bring in four more and put the Knights up, 5-0.
- With the bases loaded in the fifth, Karissa Ornelas walked to extend the UCF lead to 6-0.
- Cody singled up the middle to drive in another Knights' run in the sixth, putting UCF up 7-0.
NOTABLES
- Jada Cody's grand slam in the fourth was the first of her career.
- Cody had a career high five RBI in the contest.
- Cody's five RBI are the most any Knight has had in one game all season.
- Gianna Mancha's complete game shutout marked her first as a Knight.
- With the win, Mancha picked up win number six on the season.
ON DECK
UCF will be on the road Thursday as the Knights travel to Mississippi for a three game series against Ole Miss from Friday through Sunday.
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