San Diego State softball travels to Boise to face Boise State in a three-game series.

The Aztecs (27-14, 11-5) play the Broncos (28-15, 7-6).

Both teams are fighting for an NCAA Tournament spot. The Aztecs have a more likely chance to finish at the top of their conference, as they lead the conference in wins so far with 11.

Boise State has lost its last three games, all against Stanford this past weekend. The Broncos, however, have won six of their last seven conference games, with sweeps over Colorado State and UNLV and a split against New Mexico.

The Broncos are an offensive juggernaut, with seven players producing an OBP over .410 or more and ten other players having an OBP over .340. Not only do they get on base, but the team mashes. Six Boise State players have an OPS of over 1.000, and five players have six or more home runs on the year.

A multitude of players lead them, but none are faster or better at getting on base than sophomore Sophia Knight. The young outfielder from Huntington Beach, California, battles Bella Espinoza for the fastest player not just in the Mountain West but also in the country. Knight has a batting average of .515 with an OBP of .531. She has swiped 22 bags so far on a mere 25 attempts.

The Aztecs could see the Broncos be less aggressive on the basepaths due to the tandem of Cali Decker and Jade Ignacio behind the plate. The duo has been the best at keeping runners from swiping bags and will likely be challenged to prove it again against the Broncos.

Boise State has a unique approach to its pitching staff, often using five different pitchers. The three pitchers the Aztecs will likely see are Abby Dowell, Brook Thompson, and Olivia Bauer.

The Broncos’ staff has a 4.98 ERA, a WHIP of 1.76, and a BAA of .294. The five pitchers often get hit, but typically do just enough to secure a Broncos win due to their high-powered offense.

Not only do the Broncos hit the long ball, but they also often give it up. Giving up an astounding 46 home runs so far on the season. The Aztecs’ offense should be able to continue the offensive onslaught they had against UNLV over the weekend in Boise.

The main key for an Aztec series win is this: Pitching.

Grace Uribe and Cece Cellura both pitched fantastically and have been solid for the Aztecs over the past month. Dee Dee Hernandez has struggled recently, but the crafty veteran left-hander can and will showcase why her teammates and her coaching staff trust her in the circle.

San Diego State is going to have to play near-perfect softball against Boise State to secure a series win. The pitching and defense will be the huge keys for the Aztecs. Keeping the ball in the yard, staying out of the heart of the plate, and making minimal errors will give the Aztecs a great chance in this one.

Jazmin Williams and Grace Uribe are two offensive players to watch this week for SDSU.

We know how good the mainstays of the Aztec roster have been with Cali Decker and Espinoza. Williams, who won the Mountain West Player of the Week this past week, is looking to continue the momentum she built with an amazing weekend against the Rebels. While Uribe looks to be the dominant two-way player, she has shown she can be for this talented Aztec roster. If both Williams and Uribe can have an OPS over 1.000 with multiple extra base hits in the middle of the order. The sky is the limit for this very talented Aztec roster.

The games will be played on Thursday, April 17, and Friday, April 18, at 5 p.m. PST.

The game will start at 11 a.m. PST on Saturday, April 19. All games can be streamed on the Mountain West Network.

Bryant Thursby

Assistant Coach at Heritage High School. A big time SDSU fanatic and Padres fan.