KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. –
Kacie Schmidt and
Mckenzie Staub tossed back-to-back shutouts, helping Oregon Tech establish a new school record for consecutive wins, as the No. 1-ranked Lady Owls completed a 4-game sweep of Eastern Oregon at Stilwell Stadium.
Schmidt spun a 3-hitter in an 8-0 run-rule victory in Game 1, with Staub striking out 10 in a 1-0 pitchers' duel in the non-conference finale – as the Lady Owls (34-5, 22-1 CCC) extended their win streak to 22 games. OIT improved to 17-0 on their own diamond this season with the four wins against the No. 25-ranked team in the NAIA.
"I am so proud of this team and all the things they do every week to encourage each other," said OIT head coach
Greg Stewart. "It is truly a testament to a group of great players who are even better people. I am blessed to be around them."
Tech chased Mountaineers (20-14, 11-9) ace Kaylie Hoskins in the third – her shortest outing of the season. In the first,
Zoe Allen walked, moved to third on a
Kaila Mick double and scored on a
Maggie Buckholz single, while an inning later,
Nita Cook dropped down a perfect squeeze bunt to score Staub from third to make it 2-0.
In the third, the Lady Owls broke the game open – as
Puakea Milbourne singled home a pair and Staub followed with a 2-run double. Allen capped the 5-run inning with an RBI single. OIT ended the game via the run-rule in the fifth – stringing together singles from
Lexi Klum, Milbourne and the walk-off knock from Staub.
Schmidt walked one and struck out eight, earning her league-best 17th win. Staub was 3-for-3 with three RBI, with Allen and Milbourne each recording two hits.
Game 2 was a battle between Staub and EOU starter Jessica Touchard – with the lone run scoring in the fourth inning. Thanks to a Mounties error, OIT had runners at second and third with two outs, with Cook scoring Staub from third on a ground ball that was bobbled by the Eastern pitcher.
Staub did the rest, working around three hits for her 16th win and her fifth shutout victory of 2023. Touchard held Tech to two hits – singles from Mick and Staub – but took the loss.
OIT hits the road next weekend, traveling to Great Falls for a 4-game series at the University of Providence.
