Ducks Top Northern Illinois, 4-2, in Clash Opener

Thursday, March 13

Eugene, Ore.

1 p.m.

University of Oregon

18-11

Northern Illinois

5-4

Northern Illinois

Oregon

03/13/08 | Softball

Box Score

By: GoDucks.com

* Note: A boxscore and play-by-play from game 1 is available in the LINKS box to the right.

EUGENE - In Thursday's Cascade Clash opener, senior pitcher Alicia Cook evened her record (7-7) with her 4-2 complete game victory over Northern Illinois Thursday afternoon.

The Ducks got out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when junior left fielder Sari-Jane Jenkins tripled down the left field line and then scored on a 0-2 single by sophomore centerfielder Neena Bryant. UO added another run in the second inning when senior third baseman Joanna Gail led off with a double to left center field, and sophomore pinch runner Hannah Barril scored two batters later on a Kayleen Hudson groundout.

Northern Illinois tied the game in the top of the third inning, 2-2, after the Huskies' Emily Gooding and Jenna Roberts led off the inning with a walk and single, followed by a double by Michelle Nendza that scored both runs.

After a nearly hour-long rain delay after the third inning, the Ducks went back ahead in the fourth inning when freshman baseman Carlyn Re doubled to left center field and scored Hudson who had singled just prior.

Oregon's last run came in the fifth inning when Jenkins led off with a bunt single and advanced to second on a throwing error by the shortstop. Neena Bryant and Lovena Chaput followed with textbook bunt singles to safely advance the runners, and the latter play scored Jenkins.

Cook pitched her 10th complete game of the year and yielded five hits, struck out six and walked three, and both of her runs allowed were earned.

Northern Illinois starter Joreigh Landers suffered the loss (2-1) and gave up five hits, struck out one, walked one and and all three of her runs allowed were earned, and all three of her runs allowed were earned. Taryn Hagemann pitched the final two innings and allowed three hits, one earned run and struck out nine.

At the plate, NIU's Jenna Roberts (2-for-4) and Michelle Nendza (2-for-3) had multiple hits, and shortstop Krista McPherson (1-for-3) also hit safely.

Later in the day, the Ducks survived another hour-long rain delay to win the second game of the doubleheader, 5-3, behind a complete game by Melissa Rice. The Colville, Wash., native pitched seven innings, struck out five, gave up five hits, three earned runs and three walks.

Neena Bryant hit a three-run homer down the left field line in the first inning, and Joanna Gail hit a two-run shot to similar spot in the fourth for UO's runs.

Looking ahead, UO returns for a doubleheader at home vs. Mississippi Valley State Friday that starts at 1 p.m.

LINESCORE

Oregon 4, Northern Illinois 2 (Mar 13, 2008 at Eugene, Ore.)
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Northern Illinois... 002 000 0 - 2 5 1 (5-4)
Oregon.............. 110 110 X - 4 8 1 (18-11)
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Pitchers: Northern Illinois - LANDERS, Joreigh; HAGEMANN, Taryn(5). Oregon - Cook, Alicia.
Loss-LANDERS, Joreigh(2-1) T-2:00 A-198
Weather: 52, rainy, wind 6-10 mph
Game notes:
Cascade Clash Game 1 of doubleheader

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