CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State split the home-opening doubleheader with 21st-ranked Arizona on Friday afternoon. The Beavers (12-11, 1-1 Pac-12) walked off the Wildcats in the first game before the visitors used a four-run seventh to salvage the second.
Game 1: Oregon State 3, #21 Arizona 2
Kiki Escobar’s walkoff single brought home Morgan Howey in the eighth inning for the Beavers’ first league win of the season, defeating the Wildcats by a 3-2 line.
After Arizona evened the score in their seventh with a two-RBI single and both teams traded zeroes in their respective next times up, Escobar ended it with a single to second.
The Beavers got their first two runs of the game, both by solo home runs. Paige Doerr slammed her first career homer to right field for the game’s first score before Lici Campbell had one to straightaway center.
Grace Messmer joined Paige Doerr in leading the Beavs with hits as they had two apiece to lead the Beaver offense.
Game 2: #21 Arizona 6, Oregon State 4
Threatening to sweep the doubleheader, Oregon State’s attempt was foiled with a four-run seventh by Arizona. Holding onto a 4-2 lead after six, the Wildcats plated their four by doubles to center before a two-run homer sealed the margin.
Playing from behind early, the Beavers used four runs of their own to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 lead after the fifth. Oregon State needed just three hits – including two from the Doerr sisters – to strike back. Abby Doerr got the Beavson the board with a solo shot before Messmer brought in Savanah Whatley to tie it up. Paige Doerr – continuing on her great start at Kelly Field – drove in Kaiea Higa and Eliana Gottlieb for the lead.
The Wildcats a fielder’s choice in the first and a double in the fifth for their first two runs of the game.
The quick home series wraps with the rubber match tomorrow between these Beavs and Wildcats. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.
OUR MISSIONOregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS)
