On Saturday evening, the Beavers softball team nearly knocked down number nine ranked Washington, losing 3-2 in their second game of the Dam Cancer series at Kelly Field.

The Dam Cancer series is an annual event for Oregon State softball that benefits the Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center. The players all wore black visors with the Beaver logo in pink as well as pink ribbons in their hair to show support for the families and victims of cancer. The Beavers came into the game hoping to turn around from their Friday night loss against the Huskies.

The first inning mainly saw pop flies and strikeouts from both teams. Sophomore Eliana Gottlieb made a diving catch for the second out of the top of the first inning.

The Huskies scored in the third inning after having a double hit by shortstop Rylee Holtorf. Holtorf stole third base and was then driven in on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Baylee Klingler. The Beavers’ left field sophomore, Erin Mendoza hit a single in the bottom of the third and then proceeded to steal second base.

Mendoza got a base hit in the fifth inning advancing center fielder Morgan Howey. Howey scored when a wild pitch got away from the Huskies and Mendoza was able to advance to third base from first. With Mendoza ready to score, third basewoman Abby Doerr hit a single while batting in Mendoza.

“My job is just to get on base for the great hitters in the order behind me,” said Mendoza, “I really respect them and I look up to them. My job is just to get on base for them and to contribute to my team.”

Mendoza led the Beavers in offensive production with two hits, two steals, and one run.

Washington’s hitting started back up in the seventh inning. Pitcher Kelley Lynch hit a single and was put in scoring position on second base with a sacrifice bunt from third basewoman SilentRain Espinoza. Jadelyn Allchin was put in as a pinch hitter for the Huskies and hit a two run homer making the score 3-2.

Oregon State was behind again in the last frame of the game. Doerr hit a single to second base. Shortstop Grace Messmer got a hit to third base, it was thrown to second and then to first for the double play, but Doerr was safe at second making only Messmer out.

Next up to bat was Frankie Hammoude, who has the most home runs on the season for the softball team. Hammoude was given a free walk to first base with four outside pitches and zero strikes. Freshman Kaiea Higa followed and was also walked, but she was pitched a full count, four balls, and two strikes.

The bases were now loaded. Unfortunately, the Beavers could not pull off the upset. Catcher Des Rivera was struck out by Lynch ending the game.

The Beavers play the Huskies again Sunday the April 16 at noon, expecting to finish the three game home series with a win.