​​The Cascade Clash is in full swing for the No. 5-ranked Oregon Ducks (36-13, 17-8 Big Ten). As the powerful offense continues to stay hot, securing school records, the weekend spotlight comes from the Ducks’ bullpen. The Oregon pitchers look to keep the momentum going as they’ve played host to longtime rival Washington Huskies (27-23, 15-10 Big Ten).

The team’s expectations have soared to new heights with the recent explosion from the Ducks’ bullpen. If Oregon can keep its rise on an upward trajectory, it could see itself have a deep run in the postseason. Up to this point, Oregon’s bullpen has been the team’s biggest weakness, causing the offensive firepower to spend most of the season overcoming the lackluster pitching. 

Coach Mark Wasikowski credited the late-season success to the maturity of bullpen Coach Blake Hawksworth. 

“He had a lot of great ideas, I think you’re seeing that,” Wasikowski said. “But ultimately, regardless of usage, they weren’t throwing the way they’re throwing now.” 

Oregon’s pitching staff, led by Coach Hawksworth, deserves much of the credit for the bullpen's late-season turnaround. Not only are pitchers full of glistering confidence, but they also produce quality performances with each opportunity:

Pitcher Santiago Garcia ended his Saturday mound time with: (2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K’s and 31 TP).

At the top of the ninth, Seth Mattox (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K’s and 10 TP) put the Huskies away to secure the second win of the rivalry weekend. “It’s our energy and our connection we have together,” Garcia said. “We’re having fun out there.”

On Saturday, May 10, Game 2 of the heated Oregon and Washington rivalry started as a tactical showcase as both teams strategically stringed runners across bases. Starting pitcher Collin Clarke (5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 4 K’s and 70 TP) gave up two early scores in the first, eventually maintaining a steady pitch pace with several strikeouts to follow. 

With another tallied home run on Saturday, junior outfielder Mason Neville yet again proved his case for this season's Golden Spikes Award. As the nation’s home run leader with 25, Neville continues showcasing why his draft stock has skyrocketed.

“We’re looking to win, hopefully finishing out the season strong,” Neville said. “Be able to host regionals,” Neville added.

With four games on the schedule to go, the Ducks look to win out as they inch closer to the Big Ten Conference Tournament in Omaha, Nebraska.

For the Ducks, their destiny is controlled by them. If they continue to win, as they should, they will continue on the mountain top trajectory they projected themselves for. 

Oregon’s weekend dominance continues for another week at PK Park. Ace pitcher Grayson Grinsell looks to solidify himself as Oregon’s best all-time strikeout pitcher. 

Meanwhile, stellar mid-week contributions and player of the day performance from southpaw pitcher Ian Umlandt versus St. Mary’s on Wednesday (6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K’s and 89 PT) maintains the trajectory for a high-caliber bullpen. 

With the Ducks’ dynamic offense and high-caliber pitching in peak form, the sky's the limit for this Oregon roster. The coaches rave about it, and the players can feel it. Everyone is hungry for more in Eugene, as the No. 5-ranked Ducks look to climb the mountain top into the postseason.