Oregon Softball: Ducks Get Out Of Early Trouble For Win Over Arizona State
Oregon Softball won the series over Arizona State with an 8-4 win with solid pitching from Miranda Elish and another outstanding defensive effort.
The Oregon Ducks entered the second game of the series on Saturday against Arizona State with momentum after Maggie Balint struck out 10 with a 4-0 win on Friday night. Mike White and the Oregon Ducks looked to extend their winning streak. Sophomore Megan Kleist took the mound for Oregon. Her ERA entering the game was at 0.87 with 13 wins on the year making her second on the team in wins entering the game against Arizona State.
Both teams had two hits in the first inning. The Oregon Ducks left the bases loaded to end the inning. Arizona State scored a run in the top of the second and Alexis Mack answered scoring Jenna Lilley in the bottom of the frame. The Sundevils got to Megan Kleist in the top of the third scoring two runs before Head Coach Mike White pulled the Sophomore.
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Miranda Elish came in to relieve Elish with two outs getting the final strikeout of the inning stranding two Sundevils on base. It was 3-1 Arizona State.
Shannon Rhodes was the hero in the bottom of the third with a two run home run tying the game at three. Oregon was able to pull off a Defensive Double Play in the top of the fourth ending any Arizona State scoring threat. Oregon got off to a good start in the bottom of the inning.
Lauren Lindvall started the inning with a single. Sammy Puentes followed with an infield single. Alexis Mack gave Oregon the lead with a single toward first base scoring Sammy Puentes. Gwen Svekis laid down a bunt scoring Sammie Puentes. The scoring continued for the home team with three runs on three hits taking a 6-3 lead.
Oregon added a run in the bottom of the 5th to make it 7-3. Alexis Mack was hit by a pitch. It looked like it hit her knee. She limped to first base, and was limping noticably toward the dugout at the end of the inning.
Once again the Oregon Ducks Defensive effort earned the team a chance to take the lead and win the game. Miranda Elish in relief gave up three hits and and earned run. Maggie Balint came in to close out the game with two on. She walked a batter loaded the bases with Sundevils. She picked up a strikeout and Udria recorded the final out at third base to end the game.
Next: Final Four: Oregon Ducks Embracing Underdog Role
The Oregon Ducks wrap up the three game series with Arizona State on Sunday at Noon.