SB | No. 17 Oregon Splits Texas Doubleheader vs A&M and Tech

No. 17 Oregon Softball split their Mary Nutter Collegiate College doubleheader against Texas teams on Saturday, February 23, serving a 7-5 comeback victory to Texas A&M (receiving votes) before a 5-0 shutout loss to No. 23 Texas Tech.

Oregon soared early against A&M, as sophomore catcher Shaye Bowden bashed two runs in with a first-inning double to left-center. The Aggies punched into the lead during the bottom of the second, when pinch-hitter Abby Smith took UO starter Jordan Dail deep to left center on a three-run homer. The lead would balloon to 5-2 after an RBI single from the Aggies later in the inning and Kelly Martinez’ fourth-inning solo shot. Dail stayed in the circle, though, pitching past her mistakes and holding A&M at five during a five-strikeout complete game. Oregon rallied for three runs in the sixth on the back of freshmen Allee Bunker (1-4, RBI, R) and Lexi Wagner (2-2, 2 RBI), then the Ducks made Dail a winner (8-0) by capitalizing on three Aggie errors for a two-run seventh frame.

The Ducks did not have similar luck against undefeated Texas Tech. With ace Erin Edmoundson dealing from the circle, the Red Raiders never let an Oregon runner reach scoring position. UO’s Maddie MacGrandle showed signs of improvement throughout her complete game performance, but after allowing a run in the 1st inning, MacGrandle and the Ducks never established a foothold. She finished with eight strikeouts but nine walks, giving up five earned in a losing effort.

Oregon (10-4) will play their final Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic game on Sunday, February 24 at 9 AM.

GAME STORY (by Matt Tyra)

POSTGAME AUDIO

Head Coach Melyssa Lombardi

Catcher Shaye Bowden