The Oregon Ducks scored runs in back to back innings to beat Utah, 5-2 on Saturday night.
Oregon struck early and often on Friday night scoring five runs in the first two innings. Gwen Svekis hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first to open the scoring for Oregon and giving Starter Megan Kleist an early lead. She threw seven innings in a run-ruled effort picking up the win.
Miranda Elish struck out the side in the first inning as the shadows covered home plate. DJ Sanders had all three Defensive Assists in the Top of the Second inning as Elish put Utah down in order. Elish would give up three hits, but no runs. Utah put two runners on base in the top of the fourth inning, but Utah hit into an inning-ending double play and the game remained scoreless.
The Utah Utes would get two on again to start the fifth inning. A potential double-play ball went into center field with no outs. Abby Robertson hit a double to left field scoring two Utes and making it 2-0 Utah with no one out. The Ducks got out of the inning without further damage.
Oregon answered back in the bottom of the fifth. Jenna Lilley hit a two RBI single with two outs tying the game a two. Miranda Elish followed with an infield single. DJ Sanders hit the ball toward the Utah Shortstop and the ball bounced off her foot loading the bases for the Ducks with Gwen Svekis coming to the plate. Svekis hit a two RBI single to center field giving Oregon a 4-2 lead.
The Ducks put up four runs in the bottom of the fifth, all with two outs.
Oregon loaded the bases again with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Alexis Mack hit an RBI single scoring Shannon Rhodes bringing up DJ Sanders. The Oregon shortstop would strike out.
The Oregon Ducks had eight hits in the game, five of them came with two outs. Miranda Elish was solid again in the circle with another complete game despite giving up two earned runs. She struck out nine.
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The series finale will also be the regular season home finale for Oregon Softball at Jane Sanders Stadium. Oregon will honor three Seniors, who have each won over 200 games in their careers. Gwen Svekis, Jenna Lilley, and DJ Sanders will be honored in a pregame ceremony. Oregon and Utah meet at 4 pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Network.