The University of Oregon Ducks baseball team (3-2) suffered a disappointing 12-11 loss Friday against Rhode Island. With the upset, the team showed a mix of strength and glaring vulnerability.
The game started off even between the two teams, with the score tied at 1-1 through the fourth inning. At the bottom of the fifth, Mason Neville earned a solo homer, which appeared to show the Ducks in control. That very quickly changed in the sixth inning. The Rhode Island Rams asserted control with back-to-back three-run homers at the top of the sixth. This, along with an RBI, brought the score to 8-2.
From there, the Rams could not be stopped and continued to lengthen their lead. Despite a late charge from the Ducks, the Rams took the victory 12-11.
With the result of Friday’s game, there is a mix of negative and positive takeaways for the team.
To start with a positive: Julian Hernandez had a fantastic two innings on the mound to close the game. He allowed no hits or runs to lower his ERA to 6.75, showing true progress as a player.
On the flip side, Grayson Grinsell had his worst showing so far this year. He allowed four runs, increasing his ERA from 1.80 to 4.35.
The next major issue for the Ducks today was their hitting. While the seventh and eighth innings were strong for them, they struggled the rest of the game.
“We had several at-bats get away from us,” Coach Mark Wasikowski said after the game.
There were many foul balls that were very close to being legitimate hits or even home runs. This allowed the Rams to take the lead and hold off the Ducks with their defense.
The most pressing problem the Ducks faced, however, was their defense, specifically their catching. Countless times throughout the game, attempted fielder’s choice balls were dropped. The Rams took full advantage and scored multiple runs off these dropped balls to get the win.
If the team wants to win the overall series and have another strong season, they need to work out these weaknesses. Above all, they need to practice getting the ball in their glove to stop opponents from gaining control.
If Oregon is able to resolve its slippery gloves and clean up its pitching, the team still has the potential to win the series. If not, this may be the start of an Oregon losing streak.