The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Cory Reed Natalie Johnson, at bat, and Paige Lowe score back-to-back singles in the bottom of the second inning to bring the Beavers a 3-0 lead over UCLA. The No. 16 Beavers shut out the No. 14 Bruins with a 7-0 win on Friday.

Things were not looking good for Oregon State softball going into the bottom of the seventh inning Sunday. However, a triumphant rally in the bottom of the inning produced a 5-4 Beaver victory in the second game of the weekend against No. 12 Washington.

"Every one is a lift," DeAnn Young said of the win. "It helps us get ahead, just so we are tied in the series with them and not 0-2."

Washington started off the game swinging, with shortstop Ashley Charter's triple down the first base line that would eventually score. The Beavers answered in the bottom of the first when Cambria Miranda ran home for the score after a single and two steals. Miranda's single was one of Oregon State's four hits of the game.

"We use anything," Young said. "We use us getting hits, we use walks, we use hits. You got to do what you got to do - you got to fight."

The Huskies fought back, earning 10 more hits in the next six innings, including a home run in the top of the fourth by Washington pitcher Danielle Lawrie, followed by a huge two-run homer by Dena Tyson in the top of the fifth.

"They are a strong team," TaTyana McElroy said. "Definitely respect them as a team. We just have to compete together as a team and just believe the bats on my team can hit the ball as well and score more runs."

OSU catcher Stefanie Ewing hit a solid single for the Beavers in the bottom of the second, but was out in a double play by the Washington defense. Oregon State continued to play five more innings but could not manage to get on base.

The saving grace for the Beavers came when McElroy was sent in to relieve pitcher Brianne McGowan in the top of the seventh as the Beavers trailed 1-4. McElroy finished up the remaining two outs of the inning with a strikeout and no runners allowed on base.

"We really don't get down," Mia Longfellow said. "And when you are faced with that last chance, you try that extra little bit harder and you give it all you have."

Continued...

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