One day after splitting two games with No. 7 Louisiana-Lafayette, Oregon softball met with the Ragin’ Cajuns one final time.
In another hard-fought battle, one very similar to both games Friday, the Ducks came out on the losing end by a score of 5-4. However, Oregon rebounded with a resounding 8-0 run-ruled game against Central Arkansas following its latest loss.
Game 1: LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE 5 — Oregon 4
Cheridan Hawkins was dominant in yesterday’s victory over Louisiana-Lafayette, earning the victory. Today was a different story.
The Ragin’ Cajuns got after Hawkins early and often as she gave up five runs in 2.2 innings on three hits and three walks. Hawkins gave up one run in the first inning, three in the second and one in the third before her day was finished.
Freshman Megan Kleist came on in relief of Hawkins and surrendered no runs on three hits in the final 4.1 innings.
Oregon’s offense tried to keep pace and once again, had a chance to tie in the end but couldn’t get the job done. Although the Ducks outhit the Ragin’ Cajuns 8-6, Louisiana-Lafayette made the most of its chances as they drew six walks compared to none for the Ducks.
After trailing 5-1 through the first 2.5 innings, Oregon added two runs in the bottom of the third to cut the deficit to two before adding it’s final run in the fifth.
In the sixth inning, Geri Ann Glasco doubled with one out, advancing Janelle Lindvall to third. The Ducks couldn’t push either run across the board as Gwen Svekis popped out and Sammie Puentes lined out to end the rally.
Nikki Udria led the offense with two hits and two RBI’s.
Game 2: OREGON 8 — Central Arkansas 0 (6 innings)
Any lingering frustration Oregon may have had after its loss was taken out against Central Arkansas.
The Ducks’ offense got rolling early and never let up as they pounded out 12 hits, four of which went for extra bases.
Glasco got the start in the pitcher’s circle and twirled a gem. She threw a complete game, giving up just one hit with two walks and six strikeouts.
Glasco started the game by getting seven consecutive outs and has four perfect innings during her outing.
The Oregon offense was stagnant in the first inning before exploding for five runs over the next two innings.
After a leadoff out, Hailey Decker singled and advanced to third on a Jenna Lilley double down the right field line. Both runners would come around to core when Lindvall hammered a fun count pitch to left center for the 3-0 lead.
Oregon continued to add to its lead in the bottom of the third inning when Alyssa Gillespie led off with a bunt single and advanced to third on a Udria double. Both runners crossed home plate after Koral Costa, the next batter, doubled down the right field line for a 5-0 margin.
With Glasco in firm control, the offense gave her two more runs in the fifth inning. Lauren Lindvall and Madi Bishop each had run-scoring singles to make the score 7-0 and put the Ducks within one run of a mercy-rule shortened game. With the winning run on third, Oregon was unable to convert s the next batter flew out to end the inning.
Oregon got its final run of the game when it worked three walks around two groundouts to load the bases with two outs for Lauren. Lauren sent a 1-0 pitch to left field to score Puentes and end the game.
Lauren and Lilley each had two hits while Janelle, Lauren and Costa had at least two RBI’s in the game.
Oregon ends the Louisiana Classic with an 8 a.m. game against Central Arkansas tomorrow.
Follow Ryan Kostecka on Twitter @Ryan_Kostecka