PORTLAND, ORE. – As the thrilling climax of the regular softball season draws near, the Portland State Vikings are poised for an action-packed week. This week, they will conquer the diamond with a five-game schedule against formidable opponents, the Oregon State Beavers and the Montana Grizzlies.
Vikings’ Doubleheader Against Oregon State
The Vikings will kick off the week with an electrifying doubleheader at Oregon State on Wednesday, April 9, starting at 5:00 PM (PST). Following this fierce face-off, they will return home to clash with Big Sky rivals Montana for a three-game series at Hillsboro Stadium, commencing with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 12, at 1:00 PM, and concluding with a single match on Sunday, April 13, also at 1:00 PM.
Broadcast Information
Fans can follow every moment of action as all five games will be broadcast live on ESPN+, with comprehensive live stats available to keep the excitement alive.
Moreover, Saturday will feature the much-anticipated annual Alumni Day, with a BBQ celebration scheduled for 3:30 PM, fostering community and support for the Vikings.
Midweek Matchup Insights: Vikings vs. Beavers
The Stats
Portland State (9-30, 2-4 BSC) will step up against Oregon State (14-16, 0-2 WCC).
Head-to-head, the Beavers lead the all-time series (99-39-1), but the Vikings have been on a recent upswing, winning their last three encounters, each decided by a single run. The previous meeting showcased the Vikings’ grit; they took both games by a score of 1-0, including a thrilling 11-inning duel.
Oregon State’s Current Form
The Beavers currently stand at 14-16, nursing a streak of three consecutive defeats including a tough weekend series loss to LMU, where they managed just two runs over the two games. The Beavers are yet to claim victory on their home turf this season, entering this week at 0-4 in Corvallis.
Looking Ahead: Vikings vs. Grizzlies
The Series Format
The Vikings will host the Grizzlies for a crucial three-game series:
- Games 1 & 2: Saturday, April 12 | 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM
- Game 3: Sunday, April 13 | 1:00 PM
This rivalry sees Montana leading the all-time series (20-12), yet the Vikings have recently claimed victory in three straight series against the Grizzlies, with their last series win coming in 2023.
The Grizzlies’ Situation
Montana enters the series struggling at 7-31 overall and 0-6 in Big Sky play, suffering from a 10-game losing streak. Their offensive struggles have seen them with a mere .221 batting average, ranking last in the conference.
Vikings’ Keys to Victory
- Scoring First: Strong early scoring is essential, as the Vikings have scored first in eight of their nine victories this season.
- Maintaining Leads: Portland State boasts a commendable 7-1 record in games where they lead entering the fifth inning.
- Defensive Cohesion: The Vikings must tighten up their defense, particularly in crucial late-game situations.
Standout Performers to Watch
In the Circle
This season has showcased remarkable performances from various Vikings in the circle, including:
- Grace Kimball: Leading the charge with a team-high 87.2 innings pitched and 49 strikeouts.
- Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung: Notable for her impressive recent outings with a 0.97 ERA over her last three appearances.
At the Plate
Expect big things from:
- Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung: Leading the team with a stellar .328 batting average.
- Natalia Martinez: With 23 RBIs, she is crucial for offensive scoring.
- Ellie Babbitt: Proving to be a consistent threat, hitting .571 in her last outing.
Follow the Action
Fans from all over can rally behind the Vikings as they make their playoff push during this crucial week. With thrilling matchups against powerhouse Oregon State followed by a critical series against Montana, excitement is in the air. Let’s cheer them on as they seek victory!
