by Kent Williams

Game Story

Coach Wasikowski Postgame

On a chilly Friday evening, the Oregon Ducks(2-4) took on the visiting St. John's Red Storm (1-5) in the first game of the season at PK Park, which received some significant improvements over the offseason. This included some new outfield dimensions, which were felt very early in the game as Brennan Milone sent a ball just over the left-field fence to give the Ducks an early 2 run lead in the 2nd inning. He would end the night as one of many Ducks with multiple hits in the game, leading to a 23-5 victory for Oregon. This marked the first time in Ducks baseball history where they scored upwards of 20 runs in consecutive games.

Starting pitcher Adam Maier made his second start of the season, going 5.1 IP and allowing 4 ER, while striking out 5 and walking 3. He started off strong with 4 scoreless innings, retiring 9 of 11 batters at one point. He ran into some problems in the 5th, giving up 3 runs, and another in the 6th before he was relieved. The Oregon bullpen stepped up, combining for 3.2 IP and only one earned run.

Offensively, the Ducks continued the downpour from their game Monday against USD. They put up a crooked number in 4 different frames on the night, and every member of the starting lineup got on base at least once. Two early homers from Brennan Milone and Drew Cowley set the tone early for Oregon, but St. John's would make it a game in the 5th and 6th innings. The Ducks responded with a 5-run 6th inning and 13-run 8th inning to really pull away for a comfortable lead in front of the home crowd.

Next up for the Ducks is game 2 of their series against St. John's on Saturday at 2 pm in Eugene.

Game story coming soon...