Written and Audio Stories by Wilder Lewis

The Ducks took on the Cal Golden Bears again at home today in sunny Eugene. Oregon, after getting battered yesterday by a score of 13-1, looked to get back on the winning track and even up the series at one apiece going into Sunday. Both teams got off to a slow start however as it was scoreless through the first 2 innings. Grinsell started on the mound for the Ducks, and with his team-leading 18 strikeouts, he looked to lock up the Golden Bears as much as possible. Grinsell took the Ducks through 6 innings, setting a new season high, and recorded 9 strikeouts while only giving up 1 run and 1 hit.

Oregon was able to build some momentum off of Grinsell as they got walked around in the 3rd to bring home one. Then, in the 4th the Ducks exploded for a big four-run inning that was jump-started by freshman Ryan Cooney who launched a 2 run HR down the left field line. Oregon wasn’t done in the inning though as after Carter Garate was able to get on base, Justin Cassella walked up and launched another one over the backstop in center field to add another 2 runs to Oregon’s lead.

Oregon however after this wouldn’t have any more offensive presence as pitching was the name of the game in the latter half of today. Cal reliever Christian Becerra would shut Oregon down after he came in at the start of the 5th. Becerra would throw 4 innings recording 7 K’s and only giving up 1 hit. Although Cal wouldn’t be able to respond on offense as Oregon stood right there with Becerra with Grinsell and Bradley Mullan. Mullan would relieve Grinsell in the 7th pitching for just 2 innings but recording 3 K’s 

The Ducks got out of the game after a couple of runners in the 9th, but a great double play picked up by Cooney finished things off. Oregon will face off against Cal again tomorrow for the rubber match game in the series.