Erickson Throws Shutout In Win Over Ducks

Saturday, April 25

Eugene, Ore.

1:00 PM

University of Oregon

13-27, 3-11

Washington

17-22, 6-8

Washington

Oregon Ducks

Photo by: Tod Fierner

04/26/09 | Baseball

Box Score

By: GoDucks.com

EUGENE, Ore. ? Brendan Gardner-Young uncorked a scoreless tie in the top of the ninth with a two-out, two-run single scoring what proved to be the game-winning runs in Washington's 2-0 victory over Oregon on Saturday afternoon at PK Park.

Husky starter Jason Erickson (2-4) pitched a complete-game shutout, holding Oregon to six hits while striking out seven in his nine innings on the mound.

Saturday's game was a pitchers' duel, as Oregon starter Erik Stavert (4-3) tossed another remarkable game for the Ducks.

The junior right-hander pitched his first complete game of the year, and tied a career high dealing 10 strikeouts before surrendering two unearned runs in the top of ninth.

With the game scoreless entering the final inning, Washington's Julien Pollard drove a one-out, stand-up double to the gap in left center. Stavert then walked Brett Wilcox, before the bases were loaded on a throwing from KC Serna that allowed Doug Cherry to reach first.

With three runners on and only one out on the board, Stavert dealt his 10^th strikeout of the game to David Bentrott, and had two strikes against Gardner-Young before the Washington left fielder tapped him for the two-run single.

The loss drops Oregon to 13-27 on the year and 3-11 in the Pac-10, while the Huskies improve to 17-22 in 2009 and 6-8 in league.

The Ducks had their chances to put runs on the board. In the seventh, Oregon freshman Danny Pulfer led off the inning with a single and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. With the go-ahead run 90-feet away, Erickson retired pinch hitter Mitch Karraker to left.

The Ducks again had the go-ahead run in scoring position during the eighth with Curtis Raulinaitis occupying second, but Erickson caught Serna looking to end the inning.

Raulinaitis and Serna led the Ducks with two hits apiece, while Gardner-Young had two for UW.

The Ducks and Dawgs will play the series finale tomorrow at PK Park with the first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the PK Park ticket office 90 minutes before game time.

Sunday's game will be televised by the Oregon Sports Network on Comcast SportsNet Northwest (channel 37) and KEVU (channel 4).

Notes: Oregon has now lost is fifth consecutive Pac-10 Conference series...the Ducks were shut out for the second time this season... In his five Pac-10 starts this season, Stavert has a 2.06 ERA, 32 strikeouts and is holding batters to a .193 average.