EUGENE, Ore. – Despite holding a lead in game one and tying the contest up in game two, the Corban University Softball team was unable to overcome 16 team runs scored today by Bushnell University, who took the first two matchups of the four-game series at Rich Schwab Field 7-2 and 9-1 earlier this afternoon/evening.
Game 1 – Bushnell 7, Corban 2
The offense started things off right in the top of the very first inning between the Warriors (1-37, 0-20) and Beacons (11-26, 5-15), as Corban scored a pair of runs thanks to an RBI double to left center by graduate student first baseman Sydney Spickelmier that scored junior centerfielder Jody Fischer, while junior second baseman Alexis Figueroa reached first base and then second on an error, allowing Spickelmier to trot home.
However, the Bushnell batters took over from that point on, scoring five runs in the first two innings to effectively put Corban away for the remainder of game one. Beacons' starting pitcher Emily Cole only allowed hits to Warrior batters in the first inning, with only a pair of walks being issued the remainder of the contest. She earned the win after a complete game effort with two runs on two hits with four strikeouts under her watch.
Corban sophomore starter Vanesa Quinones was credited with the loss after allowing five runs on three hits and a free pass in 2.0 innings, while senior relief pitcher Madison Russell tossed the remainder of Corban's defensive appearances with a two-run, two-hit, two-walk stat line.
Fischer and Spickelmier were the recipients of the two Warriors' base knocks back in the first inning, with the remainder of the lineup reaching base on two walks and Bushnell fielding error.
A multi-hit outing for Beacons' leftfielder Ericka Allen paved the way for a series' opening win for the home team, as she finished 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored. The top four hitters in the lineup for Bushnell were a combined 5-for-11, while the remainder of the team was 0-for-13.
Game 2 – Bushnell 9, Corban 1 (6 Innings)
Bushnell secured a run in the bottom of the first to take the opening lead, but Corban knotted the game back up in the very next frame when Figueroa reached base once again by forcing Bushnell into a fielding error that scored junior pinch runner Jaden South in the process.
Despite putting runners in scoring position on multiple occasions, it was the Beacons that took advantage on the basepaths to secure a sixth-inning walk off hit that enforced the collegiate run-rule, due largely in part to a five-run third inning that saw Corban sophomore Kate Banks chased after 2.2 innings pitched and seven runs, six hits, three walks, and a pair of strikeouts. Russell dealt out the last 3.0 innings to the sound of two runs, three hits, and two walks.
Bushnell game two starter Emma Fournier allowed a single run on six hits and a pair of walks over 5.0 innings for her second win of the season, picking up two punchouts along the way. Reliever Liz Hillier pitched the sixth inning with just one walk on her resume.
Both Fischer and senior designated player Tatiana Liu had a pair of hits apiece to combine for two-thirds of the Corban offense, while senior rightfielder Samantha Martinez and senior first baseman Sage Vanterpool each picked up a base hit as well.
A pair of Beacon infielders represented by shortstop Taylor Kenworthy and first baseman Hannah Tennant each peppered a pair of base knocks, with Tennant going yard in the bottom of the second over the left field fence. They both had two RBI while the latter scored two runs as well.
Corban will have their second opportunity to right the ship against Bushnell tomorrow morning, with an 11am first pitch scheduled back in Eugene.
Follow Corban Athletics:
Facebook l Twitter l Instagram l Snapchat l YouTube l Email
Download our App: iOS (iPhone/iPad) l Android
