CORVALLIS – Oregon softball coach Kathy Arendsen said the Ducks were devastated after losing two one-run games (4-3, 2-1) to No. 8 Oregon State Wednesday.
“No senior likes to go out losing to Oregon State in three straight games,” said senior Beth Boskovich, who played despite tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee less than three weeks ago.
The losses drop Oregon to 1-8 in the Pacific-10 Conference and 19-18 overall. The Beavers swept the season series 3-0.
“I believe that we will bounce back,” Arendsen said. “I believe that are going to be one of those great stories that it just comes on at the end of the year. But we gotta start doing it. It’s time now.”
Oregon scored first in both games, but each time Oregon State (35-7, 7-4) answered in the bottom half of the inning.
“That’s a sign of a good team,” Arendsen said. “That’s what teams that feel good about themselves, are confident, that’s what they do. We’ve done that over the years. Right now we are struggling for a little bit more confidence.”
Boskovich slapped an RBI single into right field in the first inning of game one. However, Cambria Miranda hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the inning for the Beavers. Mia Longfellow followed with an infield single and Adrienne Alo stroked a double. Brianne McGowan, who also recorded her 22nd win of the season in game one, hit a sacrifice fly to score Longfellow.
Oregon third baseman Joanna Gail hit a solo home run to begin the fourth inning, and following two errors by Oregon State first baseman DeAnn Young, Suzie Barnes was able to score and give Oregon a 3-2 lead. Once again, the Beavers took advantage of their opportunities and capitalized on an Oregon error and a fly ball hitting off Oregon right fielder Kayleen Hudson’s glove.
With one out, McGowan reached base after hitting a grounder that kicked off Oregon shortstop Breanne Sabol’s glove. Kellie Roberts was brought in to pinch run and immediately stole second. After a groundout by Young, Lisa Allen hit a high fly ball to right field. Hudson got turned around and the ball glanced off her outstretch glove, allowing Roberts to score.
Oregon left fielder Lovena Chaput was thrown out trying to score on a double by Hudson to end the top of the seventh inning. Young led off the bottom of the inning with a double and scored the game-winning run on a single by Allen.
Alicia Cook took the loss for the Ducks in game two, dropping a 2-1 decision. Cook gave up only two hits – both solo home runs to left field.
“It’s very disappointing, especially as a pitcher knowing that just two swings could have changed the game,” Cook said.
Meanwhile, the Ducks were only able to score a run in the top of the third inning on a two-out double by Sabol. Kristi Leiter, who drew a one-out walk to get on base, scored on the play for the Ducks.
Miranda hit the game-winning home run in the sixth inning.
Oregon hosts No. 5 Stanford (33-10, 6-6) Friday at 4 p.m.

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