Beavers Battle Bulldogs Friday Night

Friday, March 10

Fresno, Calif.

5:30 PM

Oregon State

13-6

Fresno State

15-8

Oregon State

Fresno State

March 10, 2017 | Softball

Box Score Box Score vs. Fresno State

By: Jeff Schmidt

FRESNO, Calif. – The Oregon State softball team battled all seven innings with Fresno State Friday night at Margie Wright Diamond, but fell 4-1 in the first game of the Fresno State Classic.

The Beavers racked up seven hits, but stranded seven runners in the loss. Jessica Garcia led the offense with a pair of hits, while Kayleen Shafer recorded the only RBI for the Beavs.

Fresno State grabbed an early lead in the first inning after a triple to right center scored a run. Oregon State put a runner on base in each of the first three innings, but could not score the equalizer.

The Beavers finally found some offense in the fourth frame after Natalie Hampton lead the inning off with a single. OSU found themselves with two outs later in the inning, but continued to battle. Shafer singled to the right side of the infield and hustled down the line to beat the tag at first. Riley Gregoire, who pinch ran for Hampton, scored on the single and tied the game, 1-1.

The Bulldogs retook the lead two innings later after tallying a pair of hits and three walks allowed them to score three runs. Oregon State put a runner on in the seventh with two outs, but could not score.

Taylor Cotton made her ninth start of the season and pitched 4 2/3 inning recording five strikeouts before being relieved. Meehra Nelson came in the bottom of the fifth and added two strikeouts, but allowed three runs to pick up the loss. Nerissa Eason relieved Nelson in the bottom of the sixth and recorded the final Bulldog out.

The Oregon State (13-6) softball team will continue at the Fresno State Classic tomorrow playing Sacramento State at 12:30 pm and will rematch with Fresno State in the nightcap at 6 pm.

For more information on the Oregon State softball team, follow the team's official Twitter and Instagram accounts at @BeaverSoftball or by Facebook at /BeaverSoftball.

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