SB PREVIEW: Oregon hosts Cal for its first conference series

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By Olivia Arciniega

After coming off a successful Jane Sanders tournament, Oregon will host No. 17 California at home to kick off conference play for the season. This will be one of Oregon’s tougher challenges this season. California has been very successful this season and is currently on a four-game winning streak.

Oregon

Oregon hasn’t been having the season that it has hoped for so far, coming into the game with a 12-8 record. Although it isn’t currently ranked nationally, it did receive eight votes this past week. However, it is ranked eighth in the Pac-12, without any conference play. It has also lost some close games to notable teams, such as No. 11 Clemson (lost 2-3) and No. 17 Texas A&M (lost 1-4 and 0-2).

Oregon has still held its own in the Pac-12, despite its ranking. Within the conference, it has walked the fewest batters and is second in the Pac-12 (ranked 10th nationally in fielding percentage at .982), and is second in the Pac-12 for steals (ranked 12th nationally). Outfielder Kai Luschar has continued to lead the team in the statbook. The redshirt junior leads the Pac-12 in hits (33; sixth nationally), steals (15, fourth nationally), and on-base percentage (.485). Stevie Hanson has been putting on a show on the mound, combining with Taylour Spencer to hold Maryland to two runs on five hits.

California

California has been a dominant team this season, coming into this game at 20-2 and on a win streak of four games. Currently, it is ranked No. 17 in the nation, and first in the Pac-12. The Golden Bears have played tough teams, including No. 6 Georgia (lost one game, won one).

Currently, the team is having their best start in nine years. In their most recent game against St. Mary’s, Cal won decisively 7-1, with Lagi Quiroga hitting two home runs and Annabel Teperson controlling the pitch. The last time Cal played a ranked team, it beat No. 6 Georgia 7-1. It was Randi Roelling who threw that complete game. Acacia Anders had a great performance, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Overall, however, it was a team effort, which is a constant theme in the Golden Bears’ most recent games. Their well-rounded team is going to make for a good game at Jane Sanders Stadium.

Against Cal, history is on Oregon’s side. Oregon has won the last five consecutive games and has 26 wins in the last 29 matchups. The Ducks will hope to continue this streak this upcoming weekend, beginning March 8.