Storm Split Road Twin Bill with Cougars; Moore and Gallegos Flash Power in Oregon City
Grit on the Road: Storm Secure Disciplined Game 1 Win; Fall Short in Finale
OREGON CITY, Ore. — The Chemeketa Storm continued their mid-week road stretch on Tuesday, battling to a doubleheader split against the Clackamas Cougars. In a day defined by long-ball heroics and late-inning resilience, the Storm secured a disciplined 4-2 victory in the opener before a furious seventh-inning rally fell just short in an 8-5 nightcap.
The split keeps the Storm in the thick of the NWAC South hunt as they prepare to bring the series back to Salem this weekend.
Game 1: Bennett and Gallegos Secure the Opener
Final: Chemeketa 4, Clackamas 2
The series opener was a masterclass in efficiency and defensive poise. Addison Bennett took the circle and silenced the Cougars' bats, tossing a complete-game seven innings. Bennett scattered seven hits and allowed only two runs, utilizing her defense to navigate high-leverage situations with veteran composure.
Offensively, the Storm played "small ball" early, taking a 1-0 lead on a Layni Noonkester sacrifice fly. After Clackamas tied it, Meagan Trissell regained the lead with a clutch RBI double in the third. However, the definitive blow came in the fourth, when Jazmin Gallegos unloaded on a solo home run to left-center, providing the insurance the Storm needed to ice the 4-2 win.
Game 2: Too Little, Too Late in Game 2 Rally
Final: Clackamas 8, Chemeketa 5
The nightcap proved more turbulent for the Storm. Defensive miscues and a four-run third inning by the Cougars left Chemeketa trailing 8-1 heading into the late frames.
Despite the deficit, the Storm's "refuse to quit" mentality was on full display. In the bottom of the sixth, Hadlee Nicholson sparked the offense with an RBI double. The momentum carried into the seventh, where Zoe Moore crushed a two-run home run to cut into the lead. Jazmin Gallegos followed suit with an RBI single to bring the tying run to the plate, but Clackamas managed to escape the jam and secure the split.
Series Standouts
| Athlete | Performance | Impact |
| Jazmin Gallegos | HR, 2 RBI (Combined) | Provided the power in Game 1 and the spark in Game 2. |
| Addison Bennett | 7.0 IP, W (Game 1) | Flawless command to secure the road win. |
| Zoe Moore | 3-for-4, HR (Game 2) | Nearly willed the Storm back into the nightcap. |
| Meagan Trissell | 2-for-4, 2B, RBI (Game 1) | Delivered the go-ahead hit in the opener. |
Coach's Perspective
"We loved the fight we saw in those final two innings," said the Storm coaching staff. "Addison gave us exactly what we needed in the first game, and while we let a few things get away from us early in the second, the way we finished shows the character of this group. We're excited to get back to Storm Field and play in front of our home crowd."
Up Next: Homecoming Saturday
The Storm return to Salem this Saturday, May 2nd, to complete the series against Clackamas. It will be the grand opening of the revamped entryway and promenade at Storm Field. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1:00 PM.