For the No. 16-ranked Oregon Ducks (26-10, 13-6 Big Ten), their biggest weekend series is upon them, defining if they truly are a contender this season. As the 2025 roster inches closer to breaking historic school records, they looked to keep momentum going after the biggest win of the season on Friday against conference-leading, No. 10-ranked UCLA Bruins (28-9, 12-4 Big Ten).
The Ducks’ weekend showcase proves whether they are the real deal going forward. Oregon’s offensive stars continue to shine in its biggest moments, as it looks to lead an end-of-the-season push. They’re peaking at the perfect time.
With a memorable Friday opening showdown in Eugene, Ore., the Ducks were led by junior pitcher Grayson Grinsell. He followed his first career complete game, with seven strikeouts, raising his career total to 229 and passing Tommy Thorpe (2012-14) to become fourth all-time at Oregon.
“It means everything,” Grinsell said in a postgame interview.
PK Park was packed out the following Saturday afternoon in Game 2 of the series duel, down on a 1-2 count, junior centerfielder Mason Neville launched a home run ball out and over right field for Oregon’s first hit. Neville’s 18th home run of the season ties the single-season program record as he continues his campaign for a historical season as an Oregon Duck.
The story of Saturday isn’t a new one for Oregon’s lackluster bullpen. Head coach Mark Wasikowski was pressured to make five pitching changes — two coming in the seventh inning, while starting pitcher, sophomore Collin Clarke, tallied the only three strikeouts of the day for Oregon’s bullpen.
“For the first six innings, you feel like you’re prepared pretty well. For the last couple of innings of that game, you feel like you haven’t prepared them at all,” Wasikowski said. “We need to utilize our bullpen pieces better.”
Coach Wasikowski went on to say that all five of Saturday’s pitchers are “good to go” for Sunday’s series finale if needed.
Meanwhile, Neville, at the top of the order, tied teammate, senior first basemen Jacob Walsh, with the program’s single-season home run record (18). Walsh finished Saturday’s game leading the offense (AB: 4, R: 2, H: 2, HR: 2, K: 1).
With a consistent attack like Oregon’s offense, the bullpen has hindered the team’s potential. The Ducks were outscored a game-changing 10-1 in the final two innings. The Bruins weren’t just hot. The minor errors from the Ducks’ defence sparked the late-game avalanche. To succeed in May, the defensive side needs consistent play to be considered a true contender late in the year.
Sunday’s main event will be a reality check for Oregon. If it wins with the high-powered offense in rhythm, it has everything to chase and the confidence to do so.
If the Ducks lose, the lingering woes of the defense and the inconsistent bullpen will be yet again the story of another weekend. With the series tied up, Sunday means everything for the Ducks. With its biggest test on the line this season, can Oregon finish?
Head coach Mark Wasikowski challenged the team after Saturday’s embarrassing 14-4 loss to UCLA.
“What are you going to come out with on Easter Sunday?” Wasikowski said.