One inning in each game doomed the Oregon softball team over the weekend. The Ducks lost at No. 14 Washington before being swept by No. 1 UCLA.
In each game, the Ducks (19-16 overall, 1-6 Pacific-10 Conference) allowed at least three runs in one inning while they failed to score more than three runs in one game.
The Huskies (29-15, 3-7) scored two runs in the first inning and three in the third on Friday, while the Ducks managed only two hits – singles by Dani Baird. Washington won 5-0.
Against UCLA (36-4, 8-2) on Saturday, Oregon allowed six runs in the first inning and lost 9-3. UCLA tacked on two more in the fourth, after Oregon had scored two in the top of that inning, and one in the fifth. The Ducks scored one run in the seventh inning and had the bases loaded with two outs, but Kayleen Hudson lined out to end the game.
The Bruins scored five runs in the second inning Sunday and won 5-2. Oregon got on the board in the first when Sari-Jane Jenkins singled, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI groundout by Breanne Sabol.
Four hits, including a leadoff home run, and a bases-loaded walk allowed the Bruins to score their five runs in the second inning.
Oregon scored a run in the sixth when Suzie Barnes capitalized on a leadoff walk. She stole second, advanced to third on a flyout by Sabol and scored on an RBI single by Lovena Chaput.
The only other hit of the day for the Ducks was a single by Barnes in the third inning. She reached third base, but was unable to score.
Oregon travels to Corvallis Wednesday for a doubleheader against No. 9 Oregon State (33-7, 5-4). The first game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.