Rain in Fayetteville played havoc for a good chunk of the afternoon of Arkansas’ semifinal game against Oregon from Bogle Park on Saturday.
When it finally cleared, the teams seemed a bit off-put. It wasn’t until the home team dropped six runs in the sixth to break a zero-zero tie and ultimately come away with a win, 6-2, to book a spot in the Regional Final on Sunday.
Arkansas had just one hit through five innings. Oregon pitcher Makenna Kliethermes was untouchable. But Danielle Gibson and Hannah Gammill knocked back-to-back singles to start the sixth. Linnie Malkin and Kacie Hoffman followed with back-to-back home runs and Kliethermes was quickly finished. Hannah McEwen added a two-run double as insurance later in the inning.
Oregon made things interesting in the seventh with a one-out, two-run home run from Tehya Bird, but Chenise Delce retired the next two batters to finish her complete game.
Arkansas now has two opportunities to clinch the Regional on Sunday. A single win will book their spot in the Super Regionals, which will also be in Fayetteville the following weekend.