USD Softball Battles to a Second Consecutive Doubleheader Split in Oregon: Key Highlights from the University of San Diego Athletics

EUGENE, ORE. – After a tough loss in their previous game, the Toreros were eager to rebound on the second day of the Oregon Classic. They kicked off the day with a match against Portland State.

In the first game, San Diego dominated, scoring 13 runs on 15 hits to run-rule Portland State 13-3. Standout performances came from Carly Ruiz, Alyssa Hernandez, Michelle Delgado, and EJ Joyner, who each boasted a 2-for-3 batting record. Kaitlyn Bartlow was impressive on the mound, limiting the Vikings to three runs and six hits through five innings, securing her fourth win of the season.

However, the second game against the No. 14 Oregon Ducks told a different story. The Toreros struggled offensively, managing only three hits, and fell 6-0. Though they had a chance to score in the fifth inning, they couldn’t capitalize.

How the First Game Unfolded: USD 13, Portland State 3

• USD started strong with a clutch two-out, two-RBI single from EJ Joyner, bringing in Taylor Johnson and Hernandez.
• Portland State answered back with two runs in their half of the inning.
• The Toreros pulled ahead in the second with three more runs, highlighted by a series of timely hits from Ruiz, Hernandez, and Delgado.
• Bartlow kept the Vikings scoreless, striking out two batters in a dominant second inning.
• In the fourth inning, Tele Jennings hit a two-out, two-RBI single, contributing to San Diego’s lead.
• Despite having bases loaded in the fifth, the Toreros left the inning without adding more runs.
• However, late in the game, Dalia Powell hit a triple, helping increase the lead to 11-3.
• With a solid final inning from Alex Riggins, the Toreros secured the win with a ten-run margin.

How the Second Game Unfolded: No. 14 Oregon 6, USD 0

• San Diego faced a challenge against the ranked Ducks, managing only a hit by pitch early in the game.
• Kelsey Tadlock showed promise on the mound, but the Ducks quickly seized control, scoring two runs in the second inning.
• Oregon kept building their lead with more runs, making it 6-0 by the end of the fifth inning.
• Despite a late-game rally attempt with a single from Delgado, the Toreros couldn’t overcome the deficit.

Toreros Tidbits:

• San Diego took advantage of Portland State’s five errors, scoring four unearned runs.
• The 13 runs against Portland marked a season-high for the Toreros.
• USD also managed a season-high four stolen bases in that game.
• Kaitlyn Bartlow improved her record to 4-4, tying her season high in strikeouts.
• The team recorded only three hits against Oregon, the second-lowest total this season.

Upcoming Matches:
Next, San Diego will face Portland State again on Sunday morning. Following this matchup, they will return home before heading to Arizona for the GCU Tournament, where they will compete in a doubleheader with New Mexico and UNLV on March 7.

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