Raiders Softball Battle to Make Playoffs
The Southern Oregon Softball team took on the 23rd ranked Corban University Warriors this weekend in a double header game to fight for a place in the playoffs. Due to rain, the doubleheader was rescheduled to be played the next day at noon. The series was split evenly with a Southern Oregon win and loss. Due to some late rallies, the outcomes of both games were decided in the final innings. Being the last conference home series of the season, the raiders had to bring their “A” game. At the top of the 10th inning the score was tied 4-4 when Corban took the lead by bringing in two runs, which would ultimately end the game. Earlier in the seventh inning, there was a controversial call claimed Krystina Pardoski left 3rd base too early while tagging on a fly ball that was sailed into the outfield. The call was questioned and upheld, thus, wiping the winning run off the scoreboard.
Going into the second game, the raiders allowed three runs over the course of six innings. Two of the three Corban came from two solo home runs given up in the 4th and 5th inning. The Raiders were scoreless until the bottom of the seventh when they managed to close the gap to make the score 3-2. With two outs to go, Kayla Douglas hit a fly ball in between the center and right fielder. Due to a lack of communication, the center fielder for Corban dove and watched as the ball popped out of her glove. The end result of the error was two runs scored that ended the game with a Raiders victory. Head coach Jessica Pistole complimented the Raiders performance saying they were “on fire” during the first game of the series that began on Saturday. Pistole added that the second game “took a little bit to get back going again” due to the “bum calls” that took place to alter the outcome of the previous game.
Next up for the Raiders is a stretch of six away games which will take place in Eastern Oregon, College of Idaho, and Concordia. Pistole said that in order for the Raiders to obtain a championship season they must “stay solid on defense.” The coach added that in order to reach their goals they need to, “stay consistent and do the little things that we work on every day and make adjustments at the plate. So regardless of who’s pitching, adjust, and execute.” The Raiders have a three game lead for the fourth spot in the CCC playoffs. In order for the Raiders to maintain their position, they must produce success in the final six away games.
*Feature image courtesy of Al Case
