CALDWELL, Idaho – The No. 3-ranked Eastern Oregon University softball team delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, sweeping University of Providence with a pair of five-inning run-rule victories, 15-1 and 15-0, in Caldwell.
Game 1
The No. 3-ranked Eastern Oregon University softball team continued its dominant weekend in Caldwell, sweeping University of Providence in five-inning run-rule fashion, 15-1 and 15-0. The Mountaineers outscored Providence 30-1 across the doubleheader, combining explosive offense with dominant pitching performances.
In the circle, Eastern Oregon's pitching staff was nearly flawless.
Maliyah Mann improved to 5-1 after throwing four innings without allowing a hit, striking out five. Providence's only run came after a first-inning walk.
Hannah Ebner entered in the fifth and retired all three batters she faced, striking out one and inducing two groundouts to complete the combined no-hitter. Backed by a 15-run offensive outburst, EOU secured the run-rule victory with ease.
Eastern pounced on Providence pitching from the outset. The Mountaineers opened their scoring with a four-run first inning, as timely hits put runners in position and forced Providence into defensive miscues. A clutch RBI single from
Emily Barry drove in the first run, a
Lexi Grumbois extra-base hit brought in a second,
Allison Baumgart triple brought in a third, and an opposite side groundball from
Kelly Monaghan gave EOU the early lead. The offense stayed hot in the second, plating two more runs on a string of errors and pass balls.
Eastern Oregon extended its advantage in the third when Eastern exploded for a 9 run inning, stringing together hits, staying aggressive on the basepath and disciplined in the box to capitalize on more Argo miscues to secure the 15-1 victory.
Game 2
Game two followed a similar script, as the Mountaineers wasted no time establishing control. Eastern Oregon erupted for five runs in the bottom of the first inning to set the tone early. An RBI double from Barry opened the scoring before a pair of run-scoring singles from Grumbois and Baumgart pushed the lead to 3-0. The Mounties capitalized on aggressive baserunning and timely hitting, adding another run on a wild pitch before a two-out RBI double from Monaghan capped the five-run frame.
The offense kept applying pressure in the second inning, plating two more runs on a clutch two-RBI single to stretch the advantage to 7-0. Eastern Oregon then delivered the decisive blow in the fourth inning, exploding for eight runs to put the game out of reach. The rally featured a string of RBI singles, a run-scoring double, a bases-loaded walk, and a sacrifice fly as the Mountaineers batted around and showcased the depth of their lineup. By the end of the inning, EOU had built a commanding 15-0 lead.
In the circle,
Camille Schmitz earned the win to improve to 2-0, tossing four scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out five.
Natalie Dimitrov closed the door in the fifth, retiring the side in order to preserve the shutout.
Up Next
Eastern Oregon now turns its focus to Cascade Conference play, traveling to face Southern Oregon University on Friday, February 27. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. as the Mountaineers look to carry their offensive momentum into conference competition.
