May 21, 2006
Box Score
CORVALLIS, Ore. - No. 7 Oregon State starter Brianne McGowan was in control throughout as the Beavers eliminated the No. 19 Baylor softball team from the NCAA Championships with a 3-1 victory over the Lady Bears in action at the NCAA Corvallis Regional. The loss ends the Lady Bears season as Baylor finishes with a record of 38-22 on the year.
"I think the better team won today," head coach Glenn Moore said. "Our team did not give up; however, as we created a couple of chances to get back into the game at the end. I am extremely proud of this team. They have accomplished a lot this season and can leave here with their heads held high."
Both starting pitchers looked strong early as Oregon State finally managed to crack the scoreboard as Cambria Miranda lifted a solo home run over the center field fence in the bottom of the third inning to give the Beavers the 1-0 lead.
Oregon State extended the lead to three runs in the fourth as pinch-hitter Stefanie Ewing delivered the key blow with a two-run single up the middle to give the Beavers a three-run cushion.
The lead was more than enough for McGowan as Baylor finally broke through for a run in the sixth. In what would be her final at-bat of her collegiate career, senior Kelly Osburn lifted a solo home run, her 15th of the season, over the right-center field fence to cut the lead to two.
After Baylor reliever Nicole Jackson worked out of a jam in the sixth, the Lady Bears did not go quietly in the seventh, placing runners at first and second with only one out.
McGowan worked out of the jam; however, forcing Tessa Lynam into a pop out as Jordan Daniels was forced out at third to end the contest.
With the win, Oregon State advances to face No. 10 Cal in the best-of-three super regional round.
McGowan picked up the win for Oregon State, allowing only one run on four hits as she improved to 27-6 on the season.
Baylor starter Lisa Ferguson took the loss after allowing three runs on five hits in 3.1 innings of work as she finishes the year with a 20-15 record.
Daniels led the way for Baylor with a pair of hits, including a double in the seventh, while relief pitcher Nicole Jackson kept the game close, tossing 2.2 innings of scoreless relief, allowing only three hits.
The loss marked the final game for four Baylor seniors (Sarah Hausner, Tessa Lynam, Kelly Osburn and Harmony Schwethelm) as Osburn closes out her career as the school's career leader in five separate categories. With a strong weekend, Schwethelm became the first player in school history to reach 100 stolen bases for a career.
