Written by Jonah Bruneau

Blue and sunny skies set the backdrop over PK Park for Game One of a three-game weekend set between the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans, who were 13-6 going into Friday's game. The Ducks came into the game on a four-game winning streak after sweeping Utah last weekend, and going to Spokane and defeating the 23rd ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs on Tuesday. Oregon was able to extend that streak to five straight on Friday evening with a 9-7 victory over the Trojans. The Ducks' red hot offense continued to barrel up the ball as they tallied 15 more hits in this game, which now makes it ten consecutive games where the Ducks have mounted double-digit hits in a single contest.

In this one, Freshman Jacob Walsh led the way going 3-5 at the dish, including an RBI single in the bottom of the 4th inning. The power continued as well for Oregon as Sophomore Josh Kasevich opened up the scoring in the bottom of the 1st with a three-run home run that bounced on top of the wall and kicked over. Later on in the bottom of the 3rd, fellow Sophomore Brennan Milone launched his seventh home run of the season over the left field wall , a two-run shot which at that point put the Ducks back out front 5-4. From there, Oregon held the lead the rest of the way. On the mound and getting the start was Sophomore RJ Gordon, who is still getting used to the transition of trying to become a starter for this Ducks pitching staff. The stat line was not particularly pretty for Gordon as he went five innings while giving up seven earned runs on eight hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. He left the game in the top of the 6th with a 9-5 lead, so as a result he is credited with the win, his first of the season. The bullpen was solid once again for Oregon as four different pitchers were seen from the pen, combining to give up no hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. Senior Kolby Somers inherited a 9-7 lead in the top of the 9th and after a lead off walk, Somers was able to record three straight outs to lock down his third save of the season, bringing the Ducks to a 15-6 record.

Game Two of this three-game series is set for Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 PM PT, followed by Game Three on Sunday set to begin at 12:00 PM PT inside PK Park.

Audio Story

 

Coach Wasikowski Post game

 

Kolby Somers Post game

 

Josh Kasevich Post game