BERKELEY – Stellar defense and timely runs kept the 24th-ranked Golden Bears within striking distance of the second-ranked Ducks of Oregon (46-7, 20-3 Pac-12) through four innings, but a pair of three-run homers from the visitors in frames 5 and 6 decided the day as California (34-18, 7-15 Pac-12) fell 8-3 on Friday to give up the series.
 
Lindsay Rood (1-for-3) who recorded a double to get Cal's first hit of the day made her way home after advancing on a ground out and finding the plate on a wild pitch to put Cal ahead for the first time this series 1-0.
 
The Bears kept the Ducks from scoring in the first-four frames, even though the Ducks recorded a hit in each of the halves.  
 
Unfortunately, the Ducks bounced back with a four-run half in the fifth punctuated by a three-run dinger from Ducks senior Gwen Svekis, the third for the Ducks of the weekend to pull ahead 4-1.
 
A gritty bottom frame produced a pair of runs for Cal from Krsyten McCue, who pinch ran for Kobie Pettis (0-for-3), and Taurie Pogue (1-for-3) to bring the Bears within one, 4-3. Despite loaded bases the Bears were unable to bring any additional runners across the plate for the remainder of the game.
 
Oregon, who clinched at least a share of the Pac-12 title with Friday's win, produced another four-run frame concluded with another three-run shot from DJ Sanders, her second of the weekend.
 
Zoe Conley (16-12) picked up the loss, but was efficient early on in the complete game effort before giving up 11 hits, eight runs, four walks and two strikeouts.
 
Cal looks to avoid the sweep tomorrow, as Oregon hopes to claim the league title outright with a win. The Bears also will recognized their four seniors Jazmyn Jackson, Kobie Pettis, Taurie Pogue and Kristin Cullen as they play their final contest at Levine-Fricke Field.
 
The game is slated for a noon start and will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks.
 
Those planning to attend game should prepare to arrive early to allow for additional parking time given the large crowd expected for graduation.
 
Roads surrounding California Memorial Stadium will have limited access and closures beginning at 8:30 a.m. and continuing through 1 p.m.
 
For more information on Cal softball, follow the team @CalSB on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.