LA GRANDE, Ore. – Nationally ranked No. 24 Eastern Oregon Softball was back in action Saturday as they took on the No. 1 Oregon Tech Owls. A Gates Leatherwood walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning sealed a 2-1 game one victory. Game two was postponed in the bottom of the first inning with the Mountaineers leading 1-0 due to low visibility and snowfall. Game two of the series will be resumed tomorrow Mar. 3 at 12:00 p.m.
GAME ONE
Pitching was a key factor in the game, with both teams’ pitchers delivering strong performances. Kaylie Hoskins threw a complete game, allowing only one earned run on eight hits while striking out nine batters. On the other side, Kacie Schmidt of Oregon Tech also pitched well, striking out 10 batters herself.
Oregon Tech struck first in the top of the eighth inning when Lexi Klum singled to left field, bringing in Zoe Allen to give them a 1-0 lead. However, the Mountaineers responded in the bottom of the eighth inning. Gates Leatherwood stepped up to the plate as a pinch hitter and delivered in the clutch, smashing a walk-off two-run to left field giving the Mounties a 2-1 victory.
Key Performers
EOU
- Kaylie Hoskins – 8 IP, 9 SO, 1 ER
- Gates Leatherwood – 1-1, Walk-off HR, 2 RBIs
OIT
- Lexi Klum – 2-4, 1 RBI
- Kacie Schmidt – 7.2 IP, 10 SO, 2 ER
GAME TWO
Eastern jumped ahead early to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, but snow and poor weather forced a halt. With poor conditions, the decision was made to postpone the game until tomorrow afternoon. Eastern and Oregon Tech will resume play at noon tomorrow and play the third and final conference game after completion of game two. The fourth game, a non-conference contest, has been canceled.
