LA GRANDE, Ore. – Day two of the series once again featured a pair of low-scoring contests, with the opener counting toward conference standings. Eastern Oregon claimed game three, 4-1, on a walk-off home run from
Emily Barry, then secured the series with a 5-3 win over RV British Columbia in game four.
Game 3
Eastern set the tone early behind
Natalie Dimitrov, who opened the game with a groundout and worked around a single with help from a double play turned by
Isabella Lauerman,
Raygun Klippert, and
Emily Barry.
In the bottom half, the Mountaineers capitalized after
Hope Burke was hit by a pitch. Barry followed with a double to right center, bringing Burke home for a 1-0 lead.
That score held into the sixth inning as Dimitrov and the EOU defense limited UBC to just two hits. The Mountaineers, meanwhile, managed only two hits themselves and couldn't convert several free-base opportunities into additional runs.
Eastern stayed aggressive on the basepaths but was turned away twice at the plate.
Brylin Field attempted to score on an error in the second but was ruled out to end the inning. Later, in the fifth, Klippert was thrown out at home on a slow roller to the right side.
UBC broke through in the sixth, using an error and a walk to put runners aboard before a sacrifice fly tied the game at 1-1.
Camille Schmitz entered in relief and escaped further trouble, stranding two runners.
In the seventh, Schmitz recorded two quick outs before the Thunderbirds put together a brief rally. A potential go-ahead hit instead struck a baserunner, ending the inning and preserving the tie.
Eastern took advantage in the bottom half. Klippert drew a leadoff walk and stole second, followed by another walk to Burke. Barry then delivered the decisive blow—a three-run homer to right center—lifting the Mountaineers to a 4-1 victory.
Schmitz (12-1) earned the win, while Carleen Murray (14-9) took the loss.
Game 4
Eastern completed the series win with a 5-3 victory in the finale.
UBC threatened immediately, loading the bases on three walks, but
Maliyah Mann escaped with a key strikeout. The Thunderbirds broke through in the second on a two-run homer by Clare VanSpall, then again loaded the bases before
Isabella King entered and recorded the final out to limit the damage.
The Mountaineers answered in the bottom half. Barry led off with a walk, and
Allison Baumgart reached on an error. With two outs,
Brylin Field launched a three-run homer to left center, giving Eastern a 3-2 lead.
EOU added insurance in the third when Burke connected for a two-run home run to extend the advantage to 5-2.
UBC trimmed the deficit in the fifth after Claire Hill tripled and later scored on a groundout by Tegan Harnett, but the Mountaineers were able to contain the rally.
Hannah Ebner shut the door over the final two innings, securing the 5-3 win. King earned her first victory of the season, while Ebner notched her fourth save. Mila Anderson (0-2) was charged with the loss.
Up Next
Eastern Oregon returns to action Friday, April 17, traveling to Salem to face Corban University. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
