By Elizabeth Dunning

EUGENE, OR - To kick off Pac-12 conference play, the Oregon Ducks (9-3, 1-0 P12) faced off against the #13 UCLA Bruins (10-3, 0-1 P12), taking game one 6-2. Heading into the series, the Ducks are fresh out of a USD sweep from last weekend's match up with the Toreros. The Bruins flew up to Eugene after going 4-0 last week in the Southern California Baseball Classic and beating Long Beach State on Tuesday.

Junior RHP, Jake Brooks, took the mound for the Bruins with a 4.30 ERA going into the game. The Ducks' offense came out strong, with Ducks striking first. That run was the first first-inning run UCLA has given up all season. For the Ducks, another junior righty took the mound with Jace Stoffal starting. Jace's pitch count rose over his limit in the 4 innings he pitch, passing his set max of 85 pitches. A phenomenal outing for Stoffal with him breaking his personal record of 4 Ks in a game, with a whopping 9 Ks during his 4 innings.

The offense offered immense support, and they really came alive, although Coach Wasikowski noted that they still haven't reached their full potential. Owen Diodati homered down the left field line for his first career home run. He attributed that to his work with their hitting coach and really staying in his legs, not letting his arms get him ahead of his swings. Jacob Walsh homered and his feat added to the growing momentum the Ducks brought to the plate with his 2 run RBI. A bit of confusion ensued over at third in the bottom of the 6th, as Gavin Grant scored after Chris Aldrich threw to third baseman, and not the bag. This new rule proved to be a cumbersome adjustment for the UCLA pitcher as it was ruled a balk, extending Oregon's lead with Grant walking on home.

UCLA did not put on a #13 ranked performance today. That could be because they did not have their aces on the mound, but while Brooks is an accomplished pitcher, he doesn't have the reputation that Alonzo Treadwell or Kelly Austin hold. Brooks on the other hand was not supported by his defense. One of UCLA's 2023 Preseason All Americans had 2 critical errors defensively that allowed the go-ahead from the Oregon offense. Offensively, UCLA put up 2 home runs, hit by AJ Salgoda and JonJon Vaughns. Unfortunately for them, that would conclude the runs they put up. They look to have a stronger performance come Saturday's match up, as they're now 0-1 in Pac-12 conference play.

The Ducks will look to keep their streak going against the Bruins from Westwood. The game today, was moved up due to inclement weather, but that didn't stop the cold rain here in Eugene. The Bruins were not accustomed to the cold, but now that they have one game under their belts, maybe the sun will shine on them tomorrow. It's looking gloomier for the Ducks as they face Alonzo Treadwell on the mound, who has a 1.06 ERA. Oregon's offense will be put to the test once again, but they head into it with momentum after today's performance. The match up will continue at PK Park at 2:05 PM.

Post-game Interviews:

Coach Wasikowski:

1B Jacob Walsh: