Grand Slam Highlights Oregon Win Over Portland State

Sophomore Melissa Rice picked up her 20th victory of the season.

Freshman Neena Bryant hit a grand slam in Oregon's victory over Portland State. Photo: goducks.com

EUGENE - Oregon snapped its three-game losing streak posting a 11-1 victory over visiting Portland State on Wednesday afternoon at Howe Field.

Oregon improves to 38-8 this year and Portland State drops to 18-27.

Freshman Neena Bryant hit the 14th-ranked Ducks’ first grand slam of the season in the bottom of the first to give Oregon an early four-run lead. It was the Placentia, Calif., native’s eighth homer of the year.

Junior third baseman Joanna Gail scored on a Viking error and senior Suzie Barnes connected with a two-run bases clearing double, putting the Ducks ahead 7-0 after one inning.

Sophomore Melissa Rice picked up her 20th victory of the season pitching all five innings and holding the Vikings to one run on four hits.

In the third, sophomore catcher Courtney Shlee added her first home run of the season to left center, while Sari-Jenkins’ 15th double of the year scored Blair Williamson and Suzie Barnes for Oregon’s 10-0 advantage after three.

In her sixth start of the year Williamson’s game was highlighted by a diving grab in left center.

It was the ninth time season the Ducks have put double-digits runs on the scoreboard.

Oregon returns to Pac-10 action this weekend, heading first to ninth-ranked Arizona State on Friday night for a 7:00 PM start.

The Ducks then play the conference leaders and defending national champions, the Arizona Wildcats at 7:00 PM on Saturday and noon on Sunday.

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