The No. 3 Oregon City softball team is headed to the state championship game for the first time in school history after a stunning 4-0 upset over No. 2 Bend in the state semifinals.
After a scoreless eight innings, the Pioneers did all of their damage in the top of the ninth inning. Freshman Ellie Joseph lead off the inning with a single. At the next at-bat, Gina Allen drew a walk while Joseph was able to get all the way to third base on two wild pitches. After an intentional walk to Phoebe Borkus, the Pioneers had the bases loaded with no outs.
Freshman Chloe Stromme got the scoring going after getting the ball into play, allowing a score on fielder’s choice. Lily Riley then sent a ground ball into the infield, but reached on an error while another run scored. Later in the inning, Chloe Grimmer hit a single that scored two to give the Pioneers a 4-0 lead.
Bend was able to start off the bottom of the inning with a leadoff double, but three straight outs ended the contest.
Oregon City sophomore pitcher Lily Riley pitched all nine innings, allowing just one hit, walking two and striking out 15.
Addisen Fisher’s incredible sophomore campaign ended on Tuesday. In nine innings pitched, she allowed five hits, walked two and struck out 21.
The loss is just the second all season for the Lava Bears, who end their season with a 29-2 record. Bend’s total of 29 wins this season is a new school record.
— Nik Streng, nstreng@oregonian.com, @NikStreng
Original Article: Source