Pac-10 Softball: Oregon Edges Stanford in Extra Innings

With the victory, Oregon takes the season series over Stanford, 2-1, for the second straight year.

Lovena Chaput's RBI-double scored the game-winning run for the Ducks. Photo: goducks.com

STANFORD, Calif. - Junior Lovena Chaput’s RBI double off the right field wall proved to score the game winning run for Oregon in the Ducks’ 5-4 eight-inning victory over 16th-ranked Stanford on Thursday night at Smith Family Field.

No. 20 Oregon improves to 41-16 overall and 6-13 in the Pac-10 Conference.

Stanford drops to 33-17-1 on the year and 7-11-1 in the Pac-10.

Oregon is also now on a two-game winning streak.

With the victory, Oregon takes the season series over Stanford, 2-1, for the second straight year.

Stanford made things interesting in the bottom of the eighth with one out and runners on the corners, but the Ducks turned a 463 double play to end the game. It was Oregon’s third double play of the game and 32nd of the season.

Junior Alicia Cook (20-3) pitched all eight innings for the Ducks, surrendering four runs (three earned) on 12 hits.

Missy Penna (23-10) took the loss for Stanford, allowing five runs on seven hits.

Sari-Jane Jenkins led Oregon on the day, going 2-for-5 with two runs scored and two stolen bases.

Oregon started the game aggressively at the plate. Jenkins singled to left field and stole second with Jenn Salling at the plate.

Penna issued the Port Coquitlam, B.C. native her 41st walk of the year, and Ann Marie Topps’ sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third. Jenkins then scored on a wild pitch to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead.

Stanford responded by loading the bases in the bottom of the inning with three straight singles surrendered to the top of the lineup.

Cook then walked in Stanford’s first run, issuing a five-pitch walk to Michelle Smith. The Cardinal scored their second run on a fielder’s choice and added its third on a ground-out RBI.

In the second, Oregon regained the two runs it had loss, scoring with two out on the scoreboard. Chaput drew a walk, and junior Amie Morris lined a RBI stand-up double off the right field wall, bringing the Ducks back within a run.

An infield single from Suzie Barnes moved Morris to third, before a throwing error from Stanford shortstop Lindsey Key allowed Morris to score the tying run on the play.

In the bottom of the second, Stanford took a 4-3 lead on Tricia Aggabao’s two-out RBI single up the middle.

Both teams went scoreless in the third and fourth innings, before Oregon tied the game, 4-4, for the second time in the top of the fifth.

Jenkins led off the inning drawing a walk, stole second and moved to third on a Salling ground out. She scored from third when Penna’s throw on a bunt from Topps was unable to beat Jenkins at the plate.

Oregon’s last regular season games are at Cal, with a 1:00 PM start set for Friday and an 11:30 AM start set for Saturday.

On Sunday the NCAA Regional selections will be announced at noon on ESPN News. The team will gather in the Pittman Room - located in the Casanova Center - to watch the broadcast on ESPNews from noon to 1:00 PM.

Oregon fans are invited to join the team. Players and coaches will be available to the media for interviews following the selection show.

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