Oregon
Oregon loses to Stanford on walk-off error in Pac-12 softball tournament
In control most of the night, Oregon failed to close out what would have been a massive resume-boosting win and will instead need to hope for fortuitous seeding in order to host an NCAA softball regional.
The No. 5 seed Ducks led 2-0 and regained the lead after No. 4 Stanford tied it in the sixth, but couldn’t hang on in the seventh as the Cardinal won 4-3 on a walk-off throwing error by Allee Bunker in a Pac-12 softball tournament quarterfinal Thursday night at Hillenbrand Stadium.
“I thought we played really, really well,” Oregon coach Melyssa Lombardi said. “It’s a tough way to lose at the end.”
The Ducks (35-15) will have to hope for help from around the country to earn a top 16 seed during the NCAA Tournament selection show on Sunday (4 p.m., ESPN2).
After Ariel Carlson scored on a fielding error to put Oregon ahead 3-2 in the top of the seventh, the Ducks had back-to-back defensive mishaps that allowed the Cardinal to get the winning run aboard and eventually score.
Kylie Chun led off the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run to right-center to tie the game at 3-3. River Mahler hit a chopper toward the circle that first baseman KK Humphreys attempted to field, but the only possible play on the ball was from third baseman Tehya Bird, who was also charging in, and the winning run was on.
Taylor Gindlesperger dropped a sacrifice bunt and was thrown out at first by Bird, but Bunker’s throw across the diamond to third sailed wide and the Ducks had some confusion as both Humphries and catcher Terra McGowan went to cover third. Mahler was awarded the winning base and Stanford beat Oregon for the third time in four meetings this season.
“We should have been out of that,” Lombardi said. “That should have been an out at first and then an out at third. We work on that all the time. That’s normal for us. I think things sped up for us right at the end there.”
Bunker, a four-time all-Pac-12 honoree and two-time all-defensive selection in the conference, double pumped before throwing to third but said she had no thought of holding onto the ball to set up what would have been runner on third with one out.
“I was throwing it all the way,” Bunker said. “We can’t win a game without being aggressive like that and sometimes it’s going to bite you, but it’s all good. … I’ve had tough moments throughout my career and this is another one — that happens. It’s not just that that determines the outcome of the game; there’s things throughout the game. I think I’ve grown in that I don’t take that too personally. I work on that every day at practice. Just one of those things that happens.”
Oregon took an early 2-0 lead in the second. McGowan drew a four-pitch walk to open the inning and advanced on a bunt by Carlson, then Alyssa Daniell smashed the first pitch of her night sailing for a two-run home run to left. It was the eighth home run of the season for Daniell, who entered the night 1 for 8 in her career against Vawter, including 0 for 3 earlier this season.
Vawter (17-7), who allowed three runs on six hits and a walk and struck out three in a complete game, settled in and allowed just two singles over the next four innings.
Meanwhile, Morgan Scott piloted around trouble for several innings, getting Stanford to strand a runner in scoring position in the third and fourth and leave the bases loaded in the fifth.
“Personally could have been a little bit sharper,” Scott said. “But as a team I think we’re starting to find ourselves again and we’re battling back. I think as coach said, we need to learn how to finish.”
The Cardinal (40-12) broke through in the sixth, rallying to tie the game with two outs.
Emily Young hit a solo home run to dead left to get Stanford on the board, then Kyra Chan chopped a single in front of the plate and Emily Schultz drove her in with a double off the wall in left center.
Oregon regained the lead in the seventh as Carlson led off the frame with an opposite-field single, her fifth consecutive game with a hit against Vawter. Carlson stole second and Tehya Bird capped her second prolonged at-bat of the night with a single to left and an error by Kyra Chan allowed Carlson to score the go-ahead run.
“Tehya had a great game,” Lombardi said. “I loved her at-bats. I don’t know how many pitches she saw all night, but she forced (Vawter) to throw a lot of pitches. The base hit that she had up the middle was huge, was clutch.”
Then Stanford, which advances to face No. 1 seed UCLA (51-4) in a semifinal on Friday (7:30 p.m., ESPN2), capitalized against Oregon’s usually reliable defense.
“I still believe that we’re one of the best if not the best defense in the Pac, and I know they have my back 100% and I have their back 100%,” Scott said. “We have to keep our heads up and keep playing the way we play.”
— James Crepea reported from Tucson, Arizona
Controversial world leaders invited to Trump’s inauguration
Donald Trump’s inauguration guest list is breaking tradition, as he has invited a number of controversial world leaders, signaling his continued alignment with right-wing figures.
unbranded – Newsworthy
Inauguration Day, when President-elect Donald Trump will officially return to the White House, will take place Monday.
Trump will be sworn in at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda after the inauguration was moved indoors due to forecast cold weather in Washington, D.C. The last time an inauguration was moved indoors was 40 years ago for President Ronald Reagan in 1985.
Here is a list of Oregon politicians who told the Statesman Journal they will be attending or missing the inauguration as of Friday.
Is U.S. Labor Secretary nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s pick for U.S. secretary of labor and a former Oregon Republican Congresswoman, did not respond to the Statesman Journal’s inquiry on Friday asking if she would attend the inauguration.
Is Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, is not attending the inauguration.
Is U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, is not attending the inauguration. A representative from Wyden’s office said the senator was hosting planned townhalls in Oregon over the weekend and would be visiting the Providence nurses on strike in Portland before returning to Washington, D.C., Monday for evening votes.
Is U.S. Sen Jeff Merkley attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect her decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, an Oregon Democrat, will not attend the inauguration. A represent from her office said Bonamici will be gathering with immigration advocates, attending an MLK Day breakfast with community leaders and volunteering with an organization that serves homeless youth.
“I will not be attending the inauguration in DC this year. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of service and I will be spending it in Oregon with community members and organizations who are working to create a better future,” Bonamici said.
Is U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, an Oregon Republican, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect his decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, an Oregon Democrat, will attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, an Oregon Democrat, was unsure if should would be attending the inauguration when contacted by the Statesman Journal on Friday.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The first Powerball jackpot of 2025 was sold in Oregon and is worth $328.5 million, according to lottery officials.
The winner purchased the winning ticket in Beaverton on Thursday, Jan. 17, the Oregon Lottery said. The retail location will not be revealed until a winner has come forward.
The winning numbers for the Saturday drawing were: 14, 31, 35, 64 and 69 and Powerball 23.
The winner has a year to claim their prize, Oregon Lottery spokesperson Melanie Mesaros said. After the winning ticket is presented, “it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes.”
Oregon lottery winners, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous, Mesaros said.
The winner will have a choice between an annuitized prize of $328.5 million or a lump-sum payment of $146.4 million, according to lottery officials, which are both options before taxes.
Last year, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon — a $1.3 billion jackpot — was split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.
Before Saturday, the most recent Powerball jackpot was sold in December in New York and was worth $256 million.
Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Fernando Cervantes Jr., a news reporter for USA TODAY, contributed to this story.
Cherrill Crosby is the executive editor of the Statesman Journal and The Register-Guard. Reach her at crosbyc@gannett.com
Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning has been a busy man.
But when you’re the man tasked with running one of the top college football programs in the country, burning jet fuel to shake hands and take photos is a big part of the gig. And Lanning was doing plenty of that last week.
A native of Kansas City, Mo., Lanning returned home last week on a two-day tear recruiting some of the top 2026 prospects in the country.
Lanning’s known stops included Lee’s Summit on Jan. 16, where the Tigers have 2027 interior line prospect Zach Harsha (6-5, 260) and 2028 tight end Max Trillo (6-4, 225).
Great Day at Lee’s Summit High Today
Appreciate Head Coach Dan Lanning of the University of Oregon for coming to see the Tigers! #RecruitLS@CoachDanLanning @oregonfootball @lstigerfootball pic.twitter.com/DBFM8AwLzM— Recruiting LSTIGERFOOTBALL (@recruitLSFB) January 17, 2025
He was even busier the following day. He had stops at Raymore-Peculiar, where he visited with and offered four-star uncommitted running back DeZephen Walker (6-0, 205) who is believed to be heavily considering Kansas and Nebraska.
He also headed to Illinois, where he swung by Lincoln-Way East to visit with quarterback Jonas Williams, who agreed with the Ducks on Aug. 3, 2024,
A big thank you to the University of Oregon Ducks Head Football Coach Dan Lanning for coming to Lincoln-Way East today! pic.twitter.com/lruzNH6I2q
— Lincoln-Way East Football (@LWEastFootball) January 17, 2025
A trip to the Springfield, Mo. area was also on the docket, as Lanning traveled to Nixa High School to again meet with the country’s No. 1 2026 offensive lineman, Jackson Cantwell, on Jan. 16. The 6-8, 315 offensive tackle has offers from just about everyone in the country, though he has spoken highly of Lanning and his relationship with the Ducks coach – making Oregon one of the favorites for his services.
Nice to have @oregonfootball @CoachDanLanning & @UMichFootball @Coach_SMoore in Nixa, MO! @jcantwell2499 is bringing out all the stars. #TeamNixa #NSGB pic.twitter.com/bBlvB3Uy8j
— John Perry (@jperry_nixa) January 17, 2025
Cantwell was honored by the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 18 during their AFC Divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans after he was selected to represent the Chiefs at the ‘Nike Ones’ showcase during Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans.
Lanning concluded his trip with a little basketball in Hutchinson, Kan., where he watched Great Bend tight end Ian Premer (6-6, 215) – the top tight end in the 2026 class – take on Hutchinson. Premer, a three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball, impressed with 22 points in the game.
Oregon 🏈 HC @CoachDanLanning is in Hutchinson tonight to watch Great Bend’s @IanPremer play hoops. @GBHS_Athletics @GreatBend_BB @sportsinkansas pic.twitter.com/AnYWMlxe6X
— Jason Lamb (@JasonLambTV) January 18, 2025
The Midwest swing adds to a busy month for Lanning, who also has been spotted with Utah No. 1 athlete Salasi Moa and recently secured a visit with top 2026 quarterback and Nashville native Jared Curtis.
Alabama Adds Versatile Recruit Mazie Paradis For 2025
Caribou herds in Arctic Alaska tundra areas are on opposite trends • Alaska Beacon
Amazon suspends commercial drone deliveries in Texas, Arizona after two crashes in rainy weather
Top 25 Arkansas high school girls basketball rankings (1/20/2025)
We asked all 58 California sheriffs about immigration enforcement under Trump. Here's what they said
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Is Microsoft Excel the Next Big E-Sport?
DOJ recommends 20-year sentence for Pennsylvania man convicted for role in Jan. 6 Capitol riot
Which European Trump allies will be in Washington for inauguration?
Trump promised dozens of actions on immigration on Day 1. Here's what we know
Trump Will Strip Protections from Career Civil Servants, Miller Says
-
Science1 week agoMetro will offer free rides in L.A. through Sunday due to fires
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23935558/acastro_STK103__01.jpg "Amazon Prime will shut down its clothing try-on program")
Technology1 week agoAmazon Prime will shut down its clothing try-on program
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25826211/lorealcellbioprint.jpg "L’Oréal’s new skincare gadget told me I should try retinol")
Technology1 week agoL’Oréal’s new skincare gadget told me I should try retinol
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25832751/2192581677.jpg "Super Bowl LIX will stream for free on Tubi")
Technology5 days agoSuper Bowl LIX will stream for free on Tubi
-
Business6 days agoWhy TikTok Users Are Downloading ‘Red Note,’ the Chinese App
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25835602/Switch_DonkeyKongCountryReturnsHD_scrn_19.png "Nintendo omits original Donkey Kong Country Returns team from the remaster’s credits")
Technology3 days agoNintendo omits original Donkey Kong Country Returns team from the remaster’s credits
-
Culture2 days agoAmerican men can’t win Olympic cross-country skiing medals — or can they?
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24774110/STK156_Instagram_threads_1.jpg "Meta is already working on Community Notes for Threads")
Technology7 days agoMeta is already working on Community Notes for Threads