Hawkins' shutout powers No. 2 Oregon to win

FULLERTON, Calif. -- No. 2 Oregon shut out its seventh team of the year behind a dominant pitching effort from Cheridan Hawkins in the 3-0 win against Fresno State on Saturday at the Judi Garman Classic.

Hawkins and Fresno State (15-7) pitcher Jill Compton battled it out in the circle, as both teams combined for just nine hits in the game, seven of which were Oregon's.

It was a pitching duel until the top of the fourth when Oregon (18-3) got on top first. Danica Mercado put the Ducks on top after she singled up the middle to score Lilley, who reached first on an error by the first baseman and then advanced to third on Hailey Decker’s double down the right field line.

Down two quick strikes, Janelle Lindvall took the 0-2 pitch from Compton for a ride well over the left field wall and gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead through six innings of play.

Oregon threatened again in the top of the seventh when Lauren Lindvall led off with a walk, followed by a double to left from Nikki Udria.

With Lauren Lindvall and Udria on second and third, Janie Takeda smashed a ball that hit the third base bag and popped the ball up just high enough to give Lauren Lindvall time to score and give Oregon the 3-0 lead.

Hawkins picked up her third shutout of the season when she struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh and gave UO the win. The junior southpaw gave up just two hits in seven innings of work to go with her 10 strikeouts.

Fresno State’s pitcher, Compton, also went the distance, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits with four walks and seven punch outs.