Stefanie Ewing Scores On Wild Pitch As No. 17 Softball Tops California 4-3

Corvallis, OR – Sophomore catcher scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning to lead the No. 17 ranked Oregon State softball team to a 4-3 victory over California on Saturday.

Ewing picked up her second single of the day with a two-out hit through the left side of the infield and advanced to third base when fellow sophomore blooped a single into shallow right field.

Three pitches later, Ewing crossed the plate to score what ended up being the game-winner when California (23-18; 0-2 Pac-10) reliever Brittany LaRosa was off-target and the ball sailed into the backstop.

Beaver pitcher (16-6) shut down the Bears in the seventh to earn her 91^st career victory – tying Tarrah Beyster (1997-00) as Oregon State’s all-time record holder.

California took a quick 3-0 lead in the opening inning after designated player Gina Leomiti belted a 3-run home run over the right field fence.

OSU (27-11; 1-1 Pac-10) answered however with three runs of its own in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game up. Junior roped a 2-RBI double to right field and McGowan followed with a RBI single to the right-center field gap.

“Any time you can get a win it’s a good thing,” said OSU head coach . “I’m pleased we came out aggressively and put runs on the board early on.”

The Beavers and Bears close the weekend series on Sunday at 1 p.m.

GAME RESULTS:

California – 300 000 0 – 3 5 0

No. 17 Oregon State – 300 001 x – 4 7 1
McGowan and Ewing (OSU), Drewrey, LaRosa (4) and Masaniai (CAL). Win – McGowan (16-6). Loss – LaRosa (4-6). HR – Leomiti (CAL). 2B – Miranda (OSU).