Manewa and Chirichigno Homer, Beavers Fall 9-3
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Oregon State softball team (23-12, 4-6) dropped the first game of the series against No. 18 Arizona Wildcats (29-9, 5-5) Thursday, 9-3. Mikela Manewa and CJ Chirichigno spearheaded the offensive efforts on the day, with both infielders hitting home runs in the game.
Manewa homered on a 1-0 pitch in the bottom of the third, giving the Beavers a 1-0 lead over the Wildcats. It was Manewa’s fourth home run of the season and second during Pac-12 play.
Chirichigno extended the lead to two runs during the next inning, hitting a fourth inning home run. It was Chirichigno’s fifth homer of the year and first during conference play.
Arizona tied the game up in the fifth inning, scoring two runs on a home run. They extended their lead in the sixth inning, scoring seven runs on five hits and pushing the score to 9-3.
The Beavers rallied in the seventh inning, starting with a walk from McKenna Arriola. Lovie Lopez came to the plate next and was hit by a pitch, pushing Arriola to second. Arriola advanced to third later in the inning on a fielder’s choice. Sammi Noland came to the plate with two outs and singled up the middle, scoring Arriola and giving Noland a team leading 34 RBI. The rally would end there, with Arizona taking the game 9-3.
Taylor Cotton was given the loss, coming into the game in the second inning after Bev Miller was hit with a line drive and had to be removed. Cotton went four innings, scattering four hits, but allowing five runs.
The Beavers will return to the field tomorrow, Friday April 3 at 3 p.m. for the second game of the series against Arizona. The weekend is the annual DAM Cancer series. The annual DAM Cancer series is sponsored by the Corvallis Clinic. The Corvallis Clinic Foundation’s Project H.E.R. stands for Help, Enlightenment, and Resources. The program provides awareness, education, and support for all women – from the time of a breast cancer diagnosis through survivorship. If you know someone who could benefit from Project H.E.R. contact the Corvallis Clinic or visit their website at www.corvallisclinic.com.
