It took just five full innings for Oregon to score 14 runs and end the Kajikawa Classic a few innings early. The Ducks beat New Mexico 14-1 to finish the invitational undefeated in Tempe, Arizona.
Maggie Balint, now 2-0 this season, was the winning pitcher of the day. The sophomore had six strikeouts, four walks and allowed two hits in four innings pitched. In total, New Mexico had just one run on three hits and committed four errors.
Olivia Kinsey started the fifth inning in place of Balint. New Mexico proceeded to load the bases with just one out after a hit batter, a walk and then a single. But Kinsey got out of the jam by striking out another player then forcing a ground out to third base.
Alexis Mack continued to run wild on the field. In the first at-bat of the game, she reached first base on an error, then stole second. Mia Camuso then hit a single up the middle to score Mack.
New Mexico could not contain Oregon’s offense, as the Ducks had 13 hits with four home runs. Oregon scored six runs in the second inning, including a grand slam by Gwen Svekis. The hits continued to pile up for Oregon. DJ Sanders hit her fourth home run of the weekend, nailing a three-run homer to left field to start a five-run fourth inning.
Throughout the weekend, Oregon scored a total of 73 runs. At the same time it held its opponents to 12 runs.
Oregon will get a few days rest after playing six games in just four days. The Ducks will head to Mexico to play four games in the Puerto Vallarta Challenge. Their first game will be against Houston on Feb. 15.
Follow August Howell on Twitter @howell_august