Softball 4/13/2019 3:24:00 PM Dakota Zellmer, Sport Information Intern Mounties Claim Series, Break Out for 19 Runs In Sweep of Providence PASCO, Wash. – The Eastern Oregon softball team earned a big series win against Providence, sweeping Saturday's doubleheader 7-1 and 12-3, with the help of senior Lauren Spencer and an offense that tallied 19 runs in two games in Cascade Collegiate Conference action. Game 1 | Eastern Oregon 7, Providence 1 In game one, the Mountaineers (10-27, 5-16 CCC)came out hot swinging the bats while playing tough defense, which allowed them to secure the series victory over Providence. It all started in the first inning when senior Madison Barr doubled to deep left field, putting EOU in scoring position. Freshman Haley Ebner then singled to left field, scoring Barr and giving EOU a 1-0 lead in the first. The Blue and Gold would continue their success in the second and third inning, where the Mounties scored two more runs. In the second inning, senior Rayne Spencer hit into a fielder's choice, allowing freshman Shelby Starr to score from third. In the next frame, senior Hannah Rothwell knocked home senior Brandi Bowling from third with another fielder's choice to give the Mountaineers a 3-0 lead over Providence. In the top of the fourth, EOU gave up one run off a single from Shelby McMillen, allowing Karlie Southworth to score. EOU then responded in the fifth as senior Sarah Bonner doubled to deep left, scoring two runners and pushing EOU's lead to 5-1. The Blue and Gold continued to take pressure off their defense and starting pitcher Lauren Spencer by adding two more runs in the sixth inning, thanks to Ebner who singled home R. Spencer and Bowling, handing EOU a 7-1 lead over the Argos. Ebner would go on to finish the game 3-for-3 with a walk, double, and an RBI. Sarah Bonner also led the way offensively for the Mounties, finishing the game 1-for-3 with two RBI's. The Blue and Gold also received help from Bowling who scored three runs for the Mountaineers. Throughout the course of the game the Mountaineer defense was outstanding, only allowing one run on five hits with no errors and a great performance by senior pitcher Lauren Spencer. Spencer struck out four Argos over seven innings, allowing just the one run on her way to her fourth victory. The complete game was also her third of the year. Game 2 | Eastern Oregon 12, Providence 3 (F/5) In the final game of the series, the Mountaineers would run-rule the Argos after five innings by a 12-3 score. In the first inning, Providence jumped out to a 3-0 lead with a three run home run to deep left center field by Olivia Warren. From there on out, however, it was all Eastern Oregon. In the next half inning, EOU responded with seven runs of their own. Ebner started the comeback with a single to shallow center field, scoring Rayne Spencer. A few batters later, Bonner reached first off of a fielder's choice, scoring Barr. The Mounties then scored their next two runs off of walks, handing them a 4-3 lead over Providence. The hot bats continued with sophomore Julie Hernandez, who single in her first at bat of the year to score Bonner. Rothwell and Starr scored the final two runs of the inning, pushing EOU's lead to 7-3 after just the first inning. The Blue and Gold continued to capitalize off of Providence errors, scoring their first run of the second inning off of a wild throw. One batter later, Bonner hit a sacrifice fly to right field, driving in Ebner. Starr then completed the scoring with a double to center field, driving in two more runs and pushing the Mountaineers lead to eight runs, 11-3. In the bottom of the third, the Mountaineers scored one more run with the help from Ebner, who grounded out to third to allow Rayne Spencer to score. EOU would then go on to hold the Argos scoreless over the next four innings, forcing the NAIA run rule after five innings. Sophomore pitcher Amanda Smith threw four innings, giving up just the three runs off of six hits. Junior Jessica Lambert closed out the game in the fifth, tallying one striking out in a clean frame. Freshman Shelby Starr led the offense in the final game of the day, finishing with the double and three RBI's and a walk. The Mountaineers also received support again from Ebner who finished 2-for-3 with two RBI's and Hernandez who went 1-for-2 with one RBI and a walk. Eastern Oregon will look to continue their strong performance next weekend against Northwest Christian on the road in Eugene,Oregon on Friday, starting at 2 and 4 p.m. For more information on Eastern Oregon softball, follow @EOUAthletics or visit eousports.com. FOLLOW EOU ATHLETICS Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Contact: Iain Dexter; 541-962-3946; idexter@eou.edu