March 30, 2008

Box Score

Caldwell, ID --- Brittany Olsin crushed a 3-2 pitch for a first inning grand slam, and that set to tone for a serious offensive explosion as the Bengals routed NAIA Eastern Oregon 15-3 in game one of a double header at Symms Field in Caldwell as ISU scored their most runs since reinstituting the program, and the most since 1978.

Olsin's grand slam was her first career home run, and it was a no doubter to left center that made it 4-0 in the first, and ISU would never look back. Eastern Oregon (9-10) cranked to long balls of their own in the top of the second to chase starter Natasha Miosevich, but Kandis Clesson came on in relief and allowed just one hit over 2 2/3 innings for her first collegiate win. Andrea Coburn finished the game off by pitching the fifth inning, allowing a run on two hits.

Idaho State (4-19) put some distance between the Mounties with four more in the second inning, all of which were unearned, although ISU hit four doubles in the inning, including three straight by Heather Dixon, Christine Shollenberger, and Krista Armstrong with two outs. The Bengals then really put it away with three in the third, including a home run down the right field line by Whitney Chaffe, and ascary double by Dixon that deflected off pitcher Emma Hubbard's glove and off her head, bounding on a fly nearly to the left field foul line.

The Bengals tacked on four more in the fourth, including RBI singles by Ivy Sessions and pinch hitter Stephanie James. Clesson improved to 1-2, while Melodee Mildenberger dropped to 5-6. For Idaho State, every starter got a hit but one, and in all the Bengals rapped out a season-best 12 hits.

The 15 runs were the most scored since ISU beat Utah Tech 32-7 back on April 28, 1978, and it ties for the sixth most runs in school history.

NOTES: Olsin entered the game with two runs batted in all season before getting her four in the first inning.