Beavers Comeback Falls Short Against Wildcats

Sunday, March 19

Corvallis, Ore.

11:00 AM

Oregon State

15-11, 0-3

Arizona

29-1, 3-0

Arizona

Oregon State

Photo by: Dave Nishitani/Oregon State Athletics

March 19, 2017 | Softball

Box Score Box Score

By: Jeff Schmidt

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Natalie Hampton blasted a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the game up 4-4 and to force an eighth inning, but the No. 5/4 Arizona replied with three runs in the eighth to steal a 7-4 win.

Both teams fought to score in the opening three frames, as there were just one hit between the two and a combined five runners left on base. Arizona broke the drought in the top of the fourth with a solo home run to left to take a small lead.

The Wildcats added to their lead in the top of the fifth after scoring a pair of runs. The Beavers were looking for their first hit of the game entering the home half of the inning and McKenna Arriola delivered. The junior put down a bunt single while also moving Stephanie Merwin to second after she walked. Shelby Weeks followed the at bat with a single to right center to score Merwin and put the Beavs on the board. Oregon State had two outs with runners in scoring position, but could not push them across.

Arizona came back with a run in the top of the sixth off another solo home run to lead, 4-1.

The Beavers would not go away easy, Natalie Hampton blasted her third home run of the season in the bottom of the seventh with two outs to tie the game 4-4. The scoring started with Shelby Weeks singling to right field followed by Lovie Lopez recording a walk.

The Wildcats retaliated with three runs in the eighth, including two off a home run. The Beavers looked to put a runner on base, but could not manufacture any runs in the bottom of the inning.

Meehra Nelson started the game and hurled 4 1/3 innings before Nerissa Eason came and through 3 2/3 of relief. Eason was tabbed with the loss after allowing four runs to score.

Shelby Weeks was the lone Beaver to finish with multiple hits, while Hampton recorded all three RBI.

Oregon State (15-11, 0-3 Pac-12) will head to the desert for a three-game series with Arizona State starting on Saturday at 2 p.m.

For more information on the Oregon State softball team, follow the team's official Twitter and Instagram accounts at @BeaverSoftball or by Facebook at /BeaverSoftball.

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