Messmer Homers in Season Opener, Softball Comeback Falls Short to New Mexico

TUSCON, Ariz. – Despite Grace Messmer's two-run home run in the top of the sixth, Oregon State softball's comeback fell short in its season opener against New Mexico in day one of the Candrea Classic on Friday afternoon.

New Mexico broke through first in the second inning, scratching a pair of runs that started with a one-out single down the left field line. The Lobos followed that up with a two-out single to third but senior pitcher Mariah Mazon was able to shut down any further scoring to end the inning.

In the top of the fourth, Oregon State attempted to get on the board as Frankie Hammoude delivered a leadoff single up the middle. Messmer reached on a fielder's choice, forcing Kaylah Nelson out at second but another fielder's choice and a ground out stranded Beavers on first and second.

The Lobos added an insurance run in the fifth off two hits pushing the lead to 3-0 after Mazon allowed a two-out single to right field.

Mazon got the offense going in the sixth, drawing a leadoff walk. Messmer pulled the Beavers within one off a two-run homer to left center with two outs, bringing home pinch runner Jade Soto. However, New Mexico ended the threat with a ground out to first base.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grace Messmer with a two-run bomb to left center.@MessmerGrace | #GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/wOe7hOX9M1

— Oregon State Softball (@BeaverSoftball) February 12, 2022

Freshman Sarah Haendiges came in as relief in the bottom of the sixth that was highlighted by two strikeouts to begin her career.

In the seventh, the Beavers attempted their final comeback as Charity Sevaaetasi got things started with an infield single. With a two-out single by freshman Kiki Escobar, Oregon State placed runners on first and second. New Mexico silenced the crowd and ended the game with a strikeout, handing the Orange & Black the season-opening loss.

Mazon falls to 0-1 on the season after pitching 5.0 innings, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out five. Escobar led the offense in her collegiate debut as the third baseman went 2-for-4 while Messmer added two RBI. Other notables include Nelson's first career hit.

Up Next:
Oregon State returns to action tomorrow to conclude the Candrea Classic against Southern Utah (12 p.m. PT) and No. 2 Alabama (2:30 p.m. PT) before heading west for a pair of games in Las Cruces N.M. on Sunday, Feb. 13. OSU will face Texas State and New Mexico State at 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. PT before heading home.  

For more information on the Oregon State softball team, visit OSUBeavers.com or follow the team @BeaverSoftball on Twitter and Instagram.

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