April 28, 2007
PORTLAND, Ore. - Following a close 2-1 victory over the Portland State Vikings in game one of Saturday's doubleheader, the Broncos had a tough start to game two. With two outs and only one run in in the first inning, two straight errors allowed the Vikings to take a 4-0 lead before scoring five runs in the second inning thanks to four consecutive singles and a grand slam. After four and a half innings, the game ended 9-0.
Freshman Kaitlyn Rauschnot did not start badly, and had only given up one run in the first inning after a leadoff single and then an RBI double. But with two outs, a walk and a single loaded the bases. An error by senior Angela Kabanuck allowed two runs to score, and then, on the next batter, an error by catcher Ashley Grove prolonged the inning before Rauschnot fired back with a strikeout to retire the side.
Portland State's pitching kept Santa Clara off the bases, allowing just two hits, though only earning a single strikeout.
In the second inning, Rauschnot's troubles continued, as the Vikings posted four consecutive singles, loading the bases and extending their lead to 5-0. With nobody out, Rauschnot gave up a grand slam, to give Portland State a 9-0 lead before being replaced by freshman Lauren Passafuime.
Passafuime looked sharp, sending down the first three batters she faced to get the Broncos out of the inning, but the damage had been done. In the third, Passafuime again retired Portland State in order.
The Broncos continued to struggle at the plate, but for her part, Passafuime did a great job at keeping the Vikings from extending their lead. If not for a single with one out in the fourth, Passafuime might have finished the game with no hits allowed.
But with a 9-0 lead after four and a half innings, the home side took the victory to split with Santa Clara on the first day of the series.
The Broncos, 12-41 overall and 5-9 in the Pacific Coast Softball Conference, will conclude the series with Portland State Sunday with games at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.