Audio and Written Story by Wilder Lewis
The Ducks needed a win today against #7 Stanford is they wanted to still have a chance to win the series as yesterday they dropped game one against the Cardinal 1-3 in a extra inning thriller. Today's game had more of the same in the since that it was a back and forth defensive battle between the two teams. However Oregon in the end was able to make it out on top and take the game 2-1, here is how it happened.
Stanford got things going early off the rip as the first batter of the game
Gindlesperger got a single. Later on in the inning Kaneshiro had a single as well allowing Gindlesperger to advance to 3rd. She then went on to eventually score from 3rd on an error from Allee Bunker. The Ducks would be able to get out of the inning only allowing the one unearned run which would be Stanford's only run of the day. However the lead wouldn't last for long as in the bottom of the 1st the Ducks would get one right back as Humphreys would get a lead off double. Then Bunker would have an RBI single driving her in and tying things up. This run was not only great for the Ducks but it was also the first run that freshmen pitcher NiJaree Canady had given up all year coming into the day with a 0.00 era
After the exciting first inning things would calm down significantly as there would be 4 scoreless innings in a row for both sides as a defensive masterclass was being put on until finally a breakthrough was made. In the bottom of the 6th Allee Bunker got her second hit on the day as she blasted a monster HR into far left field. This play came off a clinical double play the Ducks had just before giving Bunker the energy needed for the HR. The Ducks would then go on to score one more in the inning off of a double from Daniell and an RBI single from PH Benning to drive her in. However the play would get called back and called as an out on Benning instead leaving the score at 2-1 Oregon. Alas this would end up being enough as Stanford would get the tying run all the way to 3rd, but a incredible leaping catch by SS Paige Sinicki would end the game.
This game really was a defensive battle throughout. Neither team was giving even an inch of space as both defenses were playing well. Although the real star performer on the day was RHP Morgan Scott. Scott pitched a complete game today only giving up 4 hits and no earned runs; she also had only 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. On the other side of things for Stanford Canady had 3 hits, 1 run, and 2 strikeouts on 2.1 innings pitched, and Krause had 3 htis, 1 run, and 3 strikeouts on 3.2 innings pitched.
Oregon's next game will be tomorrow at 12 pm at Jane Sanders Stadium as the Ducks look to grab the series closer and beat Stanford. KWVA will be on the call so make sure to listen live.