NCAA Tournament: Megan Kleist Throws One-Hitter In Win Over Drake

The Oregon Ducks used a similar script to Friday’s NCAA Tournament win on Saturday topping Drake 5-0 to advance to Sunday.

One difference was Oregon Starter Megan Kleist who was one-out from a no-hitter. She allowed a single with two out in the seventh inning, did not allow a walk and struck out 11. The Oregon Offense found the scoreboard in the bottom of the first off Drake Starter Nicole Newman, who is one of the Nation’s Best, along with Kleist and Miranda Elish. She entered the game with an ERA under 1.

Lauren Burke has become a hometown hero for Oregon in the opening weekend. Just as she did on Friday, Burke came in to pinch hit for Shannon Rhodes in the fifth inning. She came through with her second home run over the right-field fence in two days. If the trend continues, it could be quite the statistic in the coming weeks.

In the first round of double elimination, Oregon watched two additional games after beating Drake to see who they would face on Saturday in the Eugene Regional Championship. For Oregon, they are a team on cruise control. They have been here before and are undefeated under Head Coach Mike White in the Regional Round.

As the rest of Friday played out, Drake will get another chance against the Oregon Ducks. With the Ducks two ace pitchers and an Offense finding their postseason stride, Head Coach Mike White could turn to Maggie Balint in the circle on Saturday afternoon.

Next: Patrick Herbert Commits To Ducks

The Oregon Ducks put up nine hits on Friday against Drake and entering Saturday the Ducks are the lone undefeated team remaining in the Eugene Regional. With an Oregon win, the Ducks would host the winner of the Lexington Regional next weekend in the Super Regional Round of the NCAA Tournament at Jane Sanders Stadium.