Oregon State softball turns back Ohio State rally, wins 4-3 at the NCAA Knoxville Regional

Oregon State freshman Sarah Haendiges dug out of a bases-loaded, seventh-inning jam because the No. 3-seeded Beavers edged No. 2 Ohio State 4-3 Friday on the NCAA softball Knoxville Regional.

After the Buckeyes loaded the bases with two hits and a stroll within the backside of the seventh, Haendiges set down the ultimate three Ohio State hitters, the ultimate two by strikeout, to assist the Beavers advance within the winner’s bracket.

Oregon State (34-19) performs the Tennessee-Campbell winner at 9 a.m. Saturday in Knoxville, Tenn. The winner advances to Sunday’s championship sport within the double-elimination event.

Oregon State made essentially the most of a meager offensive assault, scoring 4 runs on 4 hits. Madison Simon hit a solo homer to steer off the third inning.

After Simon tied the sport at 1-1, the Beavers added two runs within the fourth and one other within the fifth to construct a 4-1 lead. A two-out error allowed OSU to attain each of its fourth inning runs. Mariah Mazon’s bases loaded stroll within the fifth offered the eventual successful run.

Ohio State minimize the deficit to 4-3 within the sixth on Kaitlyn Coffman’s two-run double to middle. Haedniges, relieving Mazon after six innings, gave up two hits and a stroll to start out the seventh. However these Buckeyes remained on base, as Haendiges received a come out and two strikeouts and finish the sport.

If No. 1 seeded Tennessee advances, Oregon State may have some familiarity with the Volunteers. The Beavers beat Tennessee 5-2 in a non-conference sport on Feb. 25.

–Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel