Stanford softball (19-32, 2-22 Pac-12) suffered a setback over the weekend, losing a three-game series to the Oregon Ducks (47-6, 17-6) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Stanford entered Friday’s game looking to build on an offensive performance that put up two runs in its 2-9 loss to the Ducks. It would prove to be a hard day for the Cardinal, as the team was quickly put on the back foot by an Oregon squad that opened the first inning with three runs. The team never recovered, with Stanford losing 8-0 in a five-inning run-rule decision.
Stanford’s offense also struggled to find answers for Oregon’s starting pitcher Miranda Elish and only managed one hit and one walk in the five innings played. Elish retired 12 batters in succession after the hit by freshman Montana Dixon in the second to close out the game.
The second game on Saturday afternoon marked the season-ending matchup for the team and for the graduating seniors the last home game of their collegiate careers. The Cardinal’s three seniors each put up a strong showing, with Kylie Sorenson and Bessie Noll each managing two hits and Lauren Bertoy making key plays in left field.
However, the rest of the offense struggled with Sorenson and Noll’s hits marking the only four hits for the team during the game. Oregon quickly jumped in front during the first inning with a 4-0 lead and five of the team’s first six batters getting on base.
The Ducks only added to their advantage in the fourth inning, adding three more to the scoreboard and extending the lead to 7-0. Oregon finished the game with two more in the fifth, to wrap up its 9-0 run-rule decision. While sophomore pitcher Carolyn Lee did well to rebound after a tough first inning and hold the Ducks to no runs in the second and third, their offensive firepower was simply too much for an overwhelmed defense.
The Cardinal will hope to build with the 17 letter winners who will be returning next season as they look to improve on their conference performance.
Contact Amanda McLean at ammclean ‘at’ stanford.edu.