KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Eastern Oregon Softball opened Cascade Collegiate Conference play with a doubleheader split against Oregon Tech on Friday at Stilwell Stadium. The Mountaineers (2-2, 1-1 CCC) claimed a 3-2 victory in Game One behind Hannah Tyree's two-home run performance before falling by the same score in Game Two.
Game One – Eastern Oregon 3, Oregon Tech 2
Hannah Tyree delivered a standout performance at the plate, launching two home runs to power Eastern Oregon past Oregon Tech, 3-2.
Tyree provided the offensive spark for the Mountaineers, belting a solo shot in the second inning to put EOU on the board before crushing a two-run homer in the sixth to reclaim the lead. She finished the day 3-for-3 with all three of Eastern Oregon's RBIs.
Madelyn Durham added a hit and a run scored, while Katelynn Evans recorded two hits for EOU. Pitcher Kylie Parsons (1-0) was stellar in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just two earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts.
Oregon Tech briefly held the lead in the fourth inning after Jayce Seavert's two-run single, but the Owls were unable to break through against Parsons down the stretch. Tech's starter, Kacie Schmidt (4-2), also went the distance, allowing seven hits and striking out seven in the loss.
Game Two – Oregon Tech 3, Eastern Oregon 2
In the nightcap, Eastern Oregon battled until the final out but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to Oregon Tech.
The Mountaineers struck first, as Madelyn Durham scored on a single from Hope Burke in the first inning. After Oregon Tech took a 2-1 lead in the bottom half, EOU responded in the second when Emily Barry launched a solo home run to left field to tie the game.
The Owls reclaimed the lead in the third, capitalizing on an EOU error to bring home what proved to be the game-winning run. Eastern Oregon threatened in the later innings but was unable to push across another run.
Barry finished 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run, while Burke added an RBI hit. On the mound, freshman Natalie Dimitrov (0-1) took the loss despite allowing no earned runs in four innings of work, surrendering four hits and striking out one. Taylor Brewer tossed two scoreless innings in relief.
Oregon Tech's Alli Parker (3-0) earned the win, pitching four innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits. Kacie Schmidt closed the door in the final two frames to secure the save.
The Mountaineers will return to action tomorrow at Stilwell Stadium, set to face the Owls at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
