Beavs Use Four-Run First to Drop Utah

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Three swings of the bat – including a Madyson Clark home run - in the bottom of the first inning was exactly what Oregon State needed to take game one in the final series at home of the season on Friday night.

Facing an early 3-0 deficit, the Beavers (19-25, 7-12 Pac-12) had an early explosion of offense to answer with four and ultimately the win. With one away, Madi Simon roped a triple to left field to get the home team going before Eliana Gottlieb sent her home with a single to right to cut into the lead.

Following a walk to Lici Campbell to put two on and move Gottlieb to scoring position, Clark's no-doubt shot to left center cleared the bases for the 4-3 lead.

Despite allowing the early runs by the Utes, Sarah Haendiges (8-6) picked up the win on Friday night. The Upland, Calif., product struck out four but allowed six hits and issued a pair of walks over the game's entirety.

After the Utes five first inning hits, Haendiges held the visitors in check to keep the one run advantage. From the second inning onward, the Utes only scratched one hit and didn't advance past second base. Keeping up the pressure, Haendiges recorded 1-2-3 innings from the third all the way home.

Four different Beavs – Campbell, Clark, Gottlieb and Simon – collected a hit but Clark's 2-for-3 night led the Oregon State offense. Clark's three RBI helped secure the win.

The four strikeouts by Haendiges matched a season-best for her, the most since she also retired four in Tempe against Arizona State last month.

The second game of the series is slated for 3 p.m. tomorrow and it can be seen on the OSU Live Stream.