March 25, 2013
EUGENE, Ore. - The No. 15/16 Stanford softball team committed four errors in a 10-3 loss at No. 10 Oregon, Monday, in the series finale at Howe Field in Eugene, Ore. The Cardinal falls to 22-8 overall and 0-3 in the Pac-12, while the Ducks move to 26-4 on the year and 3 -0 in the conference.
Freshman pitcher Kelsey Stevens took the loss, dropping to 9-4 on the year. She allowed four runs on two hits in 0.2 innings pitched. Sophomore Nyree White went 5.1 innings, giving up just one earned run, but six overall. Oregon freshman Cheridan Hawkins earned the win, improving to 11-1.
The Cardinal captured the early 2-0 lead in the top of the first as senior short stop Jenna Rich hit a two-run shot to right centerfield. It marks the fourth home run of the season for Rich and the 37th of her career.
The Ducks took advantage of two Cardinal errors in the bottom half of the inning to take a 4-2 advantage. With two outs, a throwing error by Rich allowed Oregon short stop Courtney Ceo to score from second. Catcher Janelle Lindvall then brought home Kailee Cuico and Samantha Pappas. The Ducks scored their fourth run on a throwing error by Cardinal catcher Jessica Plaza.
Oregon added three runs in the bottom of the fourth to increase its lead to 7-2. Errors again cost the Cardinal as a three-run homer by Cuico scored three unearned runs.
Freshman first baseman Kayla Bonstrom hit a solo home run to lead off the fifth inning for the Cardinal. It was the second home run for the rookie.
The Ducks tacked on another run in the bottom of the fifth on a double steal that scored left fielder Danica Mercado.
Oregon scored its final two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Another error by Rich extended the inning and allowed third baseman Koral Costa to hit a two-run single down the left line.
Stanford continues Pac-12 play later this week as it hosts No. 12/13 UCLA at Smith Family Stadium, March 28-30. Thursday and Friday's games, both starting at 7 p.m. PT, will be televised live by the Pac-12 Networks, while Saturday's game is slated for Noon.