Written Story by Griffin Bowes

After losing last week’s series to rival Oregon State, the Ducks needed to regain some confidence in this 2-game non-conference series against San Francisco. In the first game, the Ducks claimed a 5-3 win to improve to 21-9 on the season. Oregon controlled much of the game, especially on the mound, where pitcher Jackson Pace gave up only 3 hits in 5 innings. The Ducks didn’t allow a single base runner in the 1st inning, and Pace struck out the Dons’ first batter with his first 3 pitches. San Francisco’s first base runner came on a walk in the 2nd inning, and they went the first three innings without a hit. They got their first hit in the 4th but couldn’t do anything with it, despite having a runner on first and second base. 

However, it took the Ducks a bit to get going on offense. Oregon had some batting success to start, but they couldn’t capitalize. The Ducks had a chance to score their first run in the 2nd inning, but the Dons kept hope alive with a double play. The scoreboard didn’t remain blank for too long. After a well-played bunt by Shade, the Ducks scored their first two runs on a RBI double by California native Drew Cowley in the 3rd. Shortly after, Jacob Walsh scored by reaching on an error. Oregon extended their lead in the 4th on a 2-RBI double by Sabin Ceballos. They were able to coast with their 5-0 lead through the next two innings, which featured no runs by either team. San Francisco was able to put together a few runs in the 7th inning, but they were never a true threat to come back and win the game. 

The second game of this series will take place tomorrow at 12:05 PT. Then, the Ducks get a short break before a 3-game home series against #7 Stanford starting this Friday.

Audio Story by Griffin Bowes