BSB STORY: Uelman’s Strong Start, Smith’s Single Walk-Off the Toreros

Written Story by Elizabeth Dunning

Eugene, OR – The Oregon Ducks took on the University of San Diego Toreros in the second of a four game series. The Ducks beat the Torreros in the first game of the series 3-2. Starting on the mound for the Ducks was Freshman Leo Uelmen, a right handed pitcher with a making his third start. For the Torreos, James Sashin with a 3.32 ERA, another righty, started. It was a cold one for fans at PK Park with showers throughout the game.

The Toreros jumped out to a quick lead on a second inning home run from third baseman Will Worthington, though Uelmen would settle in nicely. The freshman finished his day with over five innings and just that lone earned run allowed. Opposing him, Sashin stifled the Ducks through the early part of the game, going two shutout frames before Oregon turned their bats on for three in the third. Taking advantage of some shotty Torero defense, Gavin Grant, Tanner Smith, and Rikuu Nishida would all come home to score the only runs the Ducks would get until the final inning.

Oregon’s opening day starter Logan Mercado would come in to relieve Uelman, giving up a run in 3.2 innings. After a diving catch in the ninth inning, right fielder Owen Diodati would lead off the bottom of a tie ballgame in the ninth with a double that trickled away from the opposing right fielder. After Grant popped out, Smith would lace a ball down the left field line to finish the game in favor of Oregon.

The Ducks will be back in action tomorrow at 2:05 as they hand the ball to another freshman in the righty Jackson Pace. They then finish the four game set on Sunday morning before the beginning of conference play.

Postgame Audio

Head Coach Mark Wasikowski