By Kent Williams

Audio story

In the third and final game of the home series for the Ducks(26-13, 11-7 Pac-12), the Washington State Cougars(16-22, 7-14 Pac-12) had a big comeback win to take the rubber match on what was otherwise a beautiful day in Eugene. Oregon got off to a good start offensively, and maintained a 6-0 lead through the first five inning, but Wazzu figured it out late and came away with the victory.

The starting pitcher for the Ducks was righty Issac Ayon, who was very good through his first five innings, not allowing a run and throwing a few 1-2-3 innings to take control of the Cougars lineup. He ran into trouble in the 6th inning, allowing 3 earned runs, but managed to finish the frame before being replaced in the 7th. Lefty Rio Britton would relieve him, and throw a scoreless inning before giving up a 2-run homer to bring the score within 2. With a save situation, closer Kolby Somers would come in looking to extend his conference lead in the category. Unfortunately, it wasn't his day, as he struggled to make good pitches and Washington State made him pay, scoring 2 runs to tie the game up and take the game to extras. Cougs would load the bases in the 10th and score the winning run on a walk, and the Ducks were just not able to respond in the bottom half, going down in order for a very disappointing loss for Oregon.

Next up for the Ducks, they will face rival Oregon State at PK Park on Tuesday, April 26th for a midweek game with first pitch scheduled for 6 pm.