Box Score (HTML)

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Portland State dropped the opener of the Highlander Classic on Thursday afternoon, 5-0, to host UC Riverside despite giving up just two hits.

The Vikings (7-8) managed only two hits themselves, a pair of singles off the bat of Crysta Conn, and were undone by multiple walks and wild pitches during the first inning that saw the Highlanders score four runs.

UC Riverside benefited from two walks and two wild pitches by Viking pitcher Raya Johnson and also a PSU error to score their four runs. After two runs had already come across on errant pitches, the Highlanders pushed their lead to 4-0 on a two-run double by Alexia Pickett. Johnson also walked in a run in the third inning, leading to the final score.

Highlanders pitcher Jordyn McDonald threw a very effective seven innings, walking three and striking out eight to improve to 3-5.

Johnson (1-2) suffered the loss after allowing five runs, only two of which were earned, and four walks over three innings. She struck out two.

Anna Bertrand worked the final three innings for the Vikings and did not allow a hit. She walked two and struck out four.

Portland State returns to the field tomorrow, playing South Carolina at 9 a.m.