Oregon State
Oklahoma
Beavers Rally Late But Fall To Oklahoma, 5-3
May 20, 2000 | Softball
May 20, 2000
NORMAN, Okla. - Shawna Feldt hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning and then came to plate with the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh inning, but she flew out to deep centerfield to end the game as the Oregon State softball team dropped a 5-3 decision to Oklahoma in NCAA regional softball action Saturday.
It was the first loss of the regional tournament for OSU (39-20-1). OSU's plays again at 3 p.m. PDT on Saturday, facing the winner of the Northwestern/Arkansas game. OSU will need to win that game in order to advance to Sunday's championship game against Oklahoma.
Oregon State, which had just one hit in the first five innings against the Sooners, strung together three runs on six hits - including two home runs - in the final two innings, but couldn't close the gap all the way.
"It was certainly good for us to get in a position to score, but it was too late," said coach Kirk Walker. "You always believe you will (come back). You don't play the game unless you believe. That's why you play until the last out."
Oklahoma jumped ahead early, as Beaver starter Tarrah Beyster gave up three runs after hitting two batters and allowing three hits in just a third of an inning. Crystal Draper relieved Beyster and struck out the next two batters to get the Beavers out of the inning.
Oklahoma added a couple more runs on two hits and a walk in the fourth inning.
Brynnen Guthrie singled in the first inning, but it was OSU's only hit until the top of the sixth inning. Parisa Plant picked up a one-out single, and Feldt followed with her third home run of the year to put the Beavers on the scoreboard.
Then with one out in the seventh, Jenni Jodoin responded with a solo home run that was her first hit at the NCAA regional tournament. Brooke Rutschman continued the rally with a single to centerfield, and she went to second on Guthrie's grounder. Pinch hitter Traci Feldt was hit by a pitch, and Plant singled back to the pitcher to load the bases. That brought up Shawna Feldt, who ripped a shot just short of the centerfield fence. OU's Erin Evans caught the ball to end the game.
"It felt just as good as the first one (her home run in previous inning). Maybe if I'd hit it to right or left field, but it's tough when you hit it to dead center," Feldt said.
Beyster dropped to 26-13 with the loss, while Draper gave up two runs and struck out seven batters in 5.2 innings. Jennifer Stewart improved to 30-6 with the win for the Sooners.
Game Results
Oregon State 000 002 1 - 3 6 0 Oklahoma 300 200 x - 5 9 0
Beyster, Draper (1) and Prochaska. Stewart and Barrett. WP- Stewart (30-6). LP- Beyster (26-13). 2B- Barrett, Fulton (OU). HR- S. Feldt, Jodoin (OSU).
