McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University Softball got its 2021 campaign started Saturday afternoon with a non-conference doubleheader at Linfield University. The Mountaineers dropped both contests by finals of 3-0 and 11-0. With the losses, EOU starts the season 0-2.
Game 1 – Linfield 3, Eastern Oregon 0
How it Happened
• Eastern Oregon managed just two hits in the game, while the Wildcats (2-0) had four. Both teams had one error in the contest. Runs in the second, fourth, and fifth propelled Linfield to the win.
• A two-out double in the bottom of the second allowed a Wildcat runner to get on before an RBI single plated home the runner and give Linfield a 1-0 edge.
• Linfield managed to tack on its second run in the fourth with back-to-walks to start the bottom half of the inning. A wild pitch advanced both runners and a sacrifice fly to left field brought in one run to extend Linfield's lead to 2-0.
• The final run of the first game was unearned as a single got a Wildcat runner on base before an EOU fielding error allowed the runner to score and make it 3-0.
• EOU two hits for the game came in the sixth and seventh, respectively.
Meghan Krantz hit a single to center in the sixth. The hit in the seventh came from
Jordan Henley as she got on.
Kayla Berg also got on base to leadoff the seventh on a Wildcat error. EOU had the chance to potentially tie but Linfield held the Mounties off to secure the game one victory.
Mountaineers Stat Leaders
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Jordan Henley went 1-3 in the opener.
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Meghan Krantz was 1-1 as the designated player.
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Rhyanne Oates drew one walk in her lone at bat.
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Ashton Kazmierski (0-1) pitched three complete in the start and struck out one.
For the Wildcats
• Shakayla Snyder was 1-3 and had two RBI to lead Linfield.
• Katie Phillips went 1-3 with a run scored.
• Katrina Johns finished 1-2 and scored one run.
• Maddy Podnar pitched a complete game to start 1-0. She threw three strikeouts in the win.
Game 2 – Linfield 8, Eastern Oregon 0 (5 Innings)
How it Happened
• The Wildcats worked quickly in game two scoring five runs in the second and third which helped end the game in five innings.
• Linfield tacked on the first of its 11 runs in the opening frame. A pair of singles got two runners on and an RBI groundout to third base plated home the run.
• Three drawn walks in the first four at bats helped the Wildcats in the bottom of the second score five runs to open their lead to 6-0. A single to center field scored two runs and three total hits coupled with some walks ultimately allowed the Wildcats to lead by six after two innings of work.
• Linfield tacked on five more runs in the bottom of the third to push the score to its final of 11-0. The Wildcats tallied four hits in the frame to plate home the five runs.
• The score remained at 11-0 as EOU was unable to plate home a run in the shortened game. The Mountaineers managed hits in the third, fourth, and fifth inning.
Mountaineers Stat Leaders
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Tina Furtado and
Mckenna Stallings each went 1-1 at the plate.
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Rhyanne Oates also went 1-2 on the day.
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Mckenna Stallings also appeared in the circle pitching two innings and fanned one batter.
For the Wildcats
• Kelsey Wilkinson was 2-2 with two runs scored.
• Katie Phillips went 2-3 with two runs scored and two RBI.
• Emma Podliska had four RBI and scored two runs while batting 2-3.
• Tayah Kelley got the win in the start in the circle to improve to 1-0. She fanned five batters in three innings pitched.
By the Numbers
2 – The Wildcats had two errors, while EOU had just one in two games.
7 – The Mountaineers used seven pitchers in the season opener.
5 – Eastern Oregon had five different players tally a hit between the two games.
8 – The Mounties had eight runners left on base in between the two games.
Up Next
• The Mounties next scheduled series is set for March 5-6 at it will be a home contest. EOU will begin conference play against Warner Pacific (Ore.). Day one first pitch is set for 1 p.m. PT.
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