Excellent pitching was on display from both teams Saturday, but unfortunately for CSUN softball, it was on the losing end of a 1-0 game against the Oregon State University Beavers.
After two tough losses for the Matadors on Thursday, they played a solid game against one of the best teams in the country, as Oregon State is nationally ranked.
The last time these two teams met was on Feb. 13, at the Kajikawa Classic in Las Vegas — the Matadors lost 6-2.
“We came out positive and strong today, and stuck to our game plan well,” said redshirt junior catcher Karlie Habitz.
Freshman starting pitcher Taylor Troost pitched strong, but one missed location on a curve ball proved to be the difference. Oregon State’s first baseman Natalie Hampton led off the top of the fourth inning with a solo home run, accounting for the only run in the game.
Besides that error, Troost pitched perhaps her best game of the season, including retiring the last 11 batters she faced.
“I felt like I had really good command of all of my pitches today,” Troost said. “I just came out and attacked the hitters.”
Troost pitched a complete game in the loss, allowing only the one run. She allowed three hits and one walk while striking out one.
Coach Tairia Flowers was pleased with the performance from her young starting pitcher.
“Troost did a great job,” Flowers said. “Even on the home run, she challenged that hitter.”
We told her not to give up any freebies and to make (the Oregon State players) swing.”
The Matadors collected their first hit in the third inning, when freshman right fielder Mackenzie Babbitt singled with one out for CSUN. On a wild pitch, Babbitt was able to advance from first base all the way to third. The next two hitters were retired, stranding her there. Babbitt finished the game one-for-one while walking once.
CSUN threatened in the bottom of the sixth inning, but a base running mistake erased what could have been the tying run. Leading off the inning, Babbitt reached on a walk; she was called out for leaving before the pitcher released the ball while attempting to steal second base, making the first out in the inning.
Later in the inning with sophomore shortstop Savannah Horvath reached first base on a single, junior designated player Katie Hooper doubled to left field, giving the Matadors the tying and go-ahead runs on base. The next batter senior first baseman Ariana Wassmer then ground out to second base, ending the inning.
CSUN out-hit Oregon State four to three in the game.
The Matadors will finish off play in the Matador Classic Sunday, facing the University of San Diego Toreros at home.
