Oregon State defeated Santa Clara softball 4-0 on Apr. 4, avoiding a West Coast Conference series sweep in a game held in Santa Clara, California.
The win came after Oregon State loaded the bases in the first inning and Lici Campbell hit a grand slam off Broncos starter Cari Ferguson. Bailey Murray then retired the first 14 batters she faced and pitched a complete game shutout for Oregon State.
Santa Clara was unable to get any momentum against Murray, who did not allow a Bronco to reach third base throughout the game. The Broncos’ only real scoring opportunity came in the fifth inning when Robynn Balmediano reached base with two outs on a bloop single and Leiora Davidson reached on an error. However, Murray struck out pinch-hitter Marie Martorella to end the threat. Murray finished with six strikeouts over seven innings without issuing any walks, throwing 109 pitches and improving her season record to 6-7.
Hazyl Gray provided relief pitching for Santa Clara after Ferguson exited, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out four batters. Ferguson took the loss for Santa Clara, dropping her record to 9-9 this season.
Santa Clara’s next game is scheduled against Florida State on Wednesday night.
