Ducks Face Big Test At No. 1 UCLA
THIS WEEK
Oregon (21-11, 4-5) remains on the road this week, and plays its third consecutive series against a ranked opponent with No. 1 UCLA (26-3, 4-2) on the schedule.
The Ducks have not played at UCLA since dropping two games on March 24, 1979. The Ducks are 3-13 all-time against UCLA, and 2-6 against the Bruins in Los Angeles.
Last week, Oregon took 2-of-3 games at then No. 22 Stanford, winning its first Pac-10 series since reinstatement.
RADIO BROADCASTS/MEDIA
Over the radio airwaves, Brian Prawitz will provide the play-by-play on THE SCORE 95.3 FM in the Eugene/Springfield area for all three game at UCLA this weekend. The broadcasts will also be simulcast via the O-Zone at www.GoDucks.com.
Live stats will also be made available at www.GoDucks.com.
O-ZONE: ONLINE VIDEO & AUDIO
Baseball fans can now watch Oregon baseball home games live on the O-Zone at www.GoDucks.com. All home games will offer live video and audio.
TICKETS
A reminder that single-game tickets for the 2010 season remain on sale. Duck fans can purchase tickets online by clicking HERE, over the phone by calling 1-800-WEB-FOOT, or in person at the Casanova Center Ticket Office.
QUICK HITS
• Oregon welcomes back five position starters from the 2009 squad; Curtis Raulinaitis, Danny Pulfer, KC Serna, Mitch Karraker and Jett Hart.
• The Ducks pitching staff has 11 returners, including sophomore left-hander Tyler Anderson, who is expected to start the series opener on Friday night against No. 1 UCLA.
• Oregon also welcomes 11 newcomers to the roster; eight freshmen and three juniors.
SCHEDULE NOTES
• Oregon opened 2010 on an eight-game road trip to southern California and Hawaii, and came back to Eugene with a 4-4 record.
• The Ducks played 12 of their first 14 games on the road, but returned to play nine consecutive home games before opening up Pac-10 play. The Ducks were 9-5 in their first 14 games, and 8-1 during a nine-game homestand.
• Eight opponents (ARIZ, ASU, CAL, CSF, FS, OSU, UCLA, WSU) on Oregon’s 2010 schedule are currently ranked in at least one national poll.
• Oregon’s longest home stretch of the season was nine games from Friday, March 12-Tuesday, March 23 as Seattle, Nevada and Southern Utah traveled to Eugene. The Ducks finished that stretch 8-1.
• Believe it or not, UO’s eight-game road trip to start the season is one of two on the year. Oregon will play eight-straight road games from Friday, April 9-Wednesday, April 21, traveling to Stanford, UCLA and Gonzaga.
• After Oregon’s game at UCLA on April 18, the Ducks will play in the Northwest the remainder of the season playing 15 contests at PK Park while traveling to Gonzaga, Oregon State, Portland and Washington.
OREGON UPDATE
Last week, Oregon (21-11, 4-5) won its first Pac-10 series since reinstatement. The Ducks took 2-of-3 games from then No. 22 Stanford at Sunken Diamond last weekend.
Oregon’s 5-2 victory last Friday was Oregon’s first win at Stanford since 1961. The series win also marked the first time the Ducks had won a Pac-10 series since April 25-26, 1980, after sweeping Washington in Eugene, 3-0.
UO had last won a Pac-10 series on road at Washington (3-0), May 7-8, 1976. Oregon’s four Pac-10 wins match their season total from 2009, with 18 conference games left to play.
Oregon is now set to play its third consecutive series against a ranked team, traveling to new No. 1 UCLA this weekend. The Ducks are playing the nation’s top team for second time in three weeks after hosting former No. 1 Arizona State at PK Park, April 1-3, as the Sun Devils took 2-of-3 from the Ducks.
Oregon is now 4-3 on the season against ranked teams, and ranks at 28 in RPI released by the NCAA on Tuesday.
ROAD TRIP
UO’s eight-game road trip began last Friday, as the Ducks defeated then No. 22 Stanford, 5-2 at Sunken Diamond. Currently in the middle of an eight-game road stand, the Ducks will play at No. 1 UCLA this weekend, and then head to Spokane for two games with Gonzaga on Tuesday and Wednesday.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
After Oregon finishes up in Gonzaga, the Ducks will head home for and eight-game stand that begins Friday, April 23 against visiting USC.
It will be Elvis Day at PK Park on April 23, with Elvis music and video clips played throughout the game. Fans that choose to dress up as Elvis, will also receive free entry into the game, and a trip to Las Vegas will also be given away.
UO will also host Greek Day vs. the Trojans on Saturday, April 24, and Little League Day on Sunday, April 25. Anyone in the 7th grade or under can receive free admission on Little League Day (April 25) by wearing their team jersey. The first 96 fans through the gates will receive a free pint of Umpqua Ice Cream, and after the game the UO baseball team will be available for autographs.
STRIKEOUT WITH PIZZA HUT
If the Oregon pitching staff accumulates 10 strikeouts in one game, fans will leave PK Park with a coupon for a free personal pan pizza courtesy of Pizza Hut.
UCLA PREVIEW
Oregon will play the nation’s top-ranked team for the second time in three weeks as the Ducks travel to No. 1 UCLA (26-3, 4-2) this weekend.
The Bruins took over the No. 1 spot in the Baseball America poll after taking 2-of-3 games from No. 18 Oregon State at Goss Stadium last week.
UCLA has won both of its Pac-10 series, opening conference play by winning 2-of-3 from Stanford, April 1-3.
Two of UCLA’s three weekend starters, right-handers Gerrit Cole (3) and Trevor Bauer (7) are ranked in the nation’s top-10 pitchers according to Kendall Rogers’ power rankings on www.yahoo.com. Cole is undefeated at 6-0 on the season, and maintains a 2.37 ERA. Bauer is 5-1 with a 1.95 ERA, and closer Dan Klein has six saves on the year and a 0.39 ERA in 18 appearances and 23 and 1/3 innings pitched. The Bruins’ pitching staff leads the country with a 2.28 ERA, as the Ducks follow closely with a 2.93 ERA ranking third in the nation.
RECAPPING STANFORD
A split with No. 22 Stanford last Saturday at Sunken Diamond propelled the Ducks to their first series win over a Pac-10 opponent since reinstatement.
Oregon opened the series with a 5-2 win on Friday night, and split Saturday’s doubleheader (rescheduled from Sunday due to rain).
The Ducks erased a five-run deficit, scoring eight runs in the final two innings of Game 2, to defeat Stanford, 9-6. UO then looked to have another comeback in the works, but left the bases loaded in the top of the ninth, suffering a 2-1 loss to the Cardinal in Game 3.
Oregon had last won a Pac-10 series, April 25-26, 1980, after sweeping Washington in Eugene, 3-0. The Ducks last won a Pac-10 series on the road at Washington (3-0), May 7-8, 1976.
During the Stanford series, a great starting effort from Tyler Anderson (5-3) on Friday night, along with Scott McGough’s third save of the season led UO to a win, while in Saturday’s victory it was the relief efforts of Zack Thornton and Drew Gagnier that allowed the comeback to take place.
At the plate, J.J. Altobelli was 5-for-10 with three RBIs, one double and one stolen base, while Jack Marder hit .400 with four RBIs, three runs scored and a stolen bag.
COMEBACK KIDS
For the second time this season, Oregon erased a five-run deficit in the late innings to thrust itself to victory. The first comeback happened on March 28 in Arizona, as Jack Marder hit a three-run homer in the top of the ninth, capping a six-run rally by the Ducks over the final three innings to stun Arizona, 9-8.
Down to their final out against UA, Oregon put together four consecutive hits, highlighted by Marder’s opposite field blast.
Last Saturday at Stanford, Marder again put himself in the middle of the rally. Oregon scored eight runs over the final two innings to lead the Ducks to a miraculous comeback victory, 9-6, over No. 22 Stanford.
UO trailed 6-1 entering the eighth as they struggled to figure out Stanford starter Jordan Pries for seven long innings. But Pries’ effort and win was squandered as three Stanford relievers combined to allow eight runs on five hits, three walks and two errors.
The Ducks scored three runs in the eighth, and with the bases loaded in the ninth, Marder drove a bases-clearing three-run double into the outfield as the Ducks took a 7-4 lead. The Calabasas, Calif., native had four RBIs in the final two innings and finished his day 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two doubles.
WHAT A START
Another outstanding outing from sophomore left-hander Tyler Anderson set up Oregon’s series-opening 5-2 victory at No. 22 Stanford last Friday night. The Las Vegas native tossed five and 2/3 innings, allowing two runs – only one earned – on five hits and three walks while fanning four.
Anderson’s effort was after pitching the first complete game of his career in a 1-0 loss to No.1 Arizona State on April 1. In his last two Pac-10 starts against top -25 teams, Anderson has tossed a combined 14 and 2/3 innings, allowing three runs – only two earned – on nine hits, while issuing three walks. The lefty has struck out 14, and has a 1.23 ERA in his last two outings.
On the season, Anderson leads the staff with a 5-3 record and 2.16 ERA (T-5th Pac-10; T-32nd nation). He has pitched 50 innings in eight starts, and has struck out 50 while walking just 15
IN RELIEF
Relief efforts from Scott McGough and Zack Thornton have been crucial for the Ducks over the past few weeks. Last Friday night as Oregon opened its series with No. 22 Stanford with a 5-2 victory, McGough came on and finished what Tyler Anderson started, holding Stanford scoreless for the final 3 and 1/3 innings and earning his third save of the season.
In his last three relief efforts at Arizona (March 28) vs. No. 1 Arizona State (April 2) and at Stanford last Friday night, McGough has been instrumental in the Ducks victories picking up saves against the Wildcats and Cardinal, while helping UO last 12 innings in a 6-5 win vs. the Sun Devils. In his last three appearances, McGough has tossed 7 and 2/3 scoreless innings, surrendering three hits and two walks, while fanning 11.
Thornton improved to 5-0 after last Saturday’s 9-6 comeback victory at Stanford. The right-hander lasted four and 2/3 innings after coming on in the fourth, and allowed just one run on four hits. Thornton also pitched three solid innings of relief vs. No. 1 Arizona State on April 2, holding the Sun Devils scoreless in three innings of work while striking out four on his way to victory in extra innings. In his last two relief efforts, Thornton is 2-0 and has allowed just one run in 7 and 2/3 innings of work, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out eight. On the year, Thornton is 5-0 with a 3.74 ERA and 35 strikeouts.
FRESHMEN PLAYING
Oregon head coach George Horton hasn’t been shy about putting his true freshmen in the thick of things this season.
Horton has two true freshmen starting regularly on defense with Jack Marder now playing first base, and J.J. Altobelli at third base. Steven Packard, who hit his first collegiate home run at Arizona on March 26, is also in the mix making starts against right-handers.
Marder, who hit an opposite field three-run homer to help Oregon to a 9-8 victory at Arizona on March 28, and hit a three-run double in the ninth to put the Ducks ahead of Stanford last Saturday, is hitting .220 with 20 RBIs, 20 runs scored and five doubles, while leading the team with three of UO’s 11 round-trippers on the season.
Altobelli has been nothing but consistent at third base. The Newport Beach, Calif., native is hitting .308 overall, and a team-best .364 in Pac-10 play. He has 20 RBIs, 18 runs scored and six doubles. It was Altobelli who led off the bottom of the 12th with a bunt single, eventually scoring the game-winning run on Marcus Piazzisi’s walk-off RBI single vs. then No. 1 Arizona State on April 2.
Packard has made 18 starts in 20 appearances this year, and is batting .255. The right fielder has been walked nine times and has three doubles and one home run as well as three assists from the outfield.
THE STAFF
This weekend, the top two pitching staffs in the Pac-10 will go head-to-head as No. 1 UCLA will host Oregon at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The Bruins lead the country and the Pac-10 with a 2.28 ERA, while UO’s 2.93 ERA ranks second in the league and third in the nation.
Tyler Anderson’s 2.16 ERA ranks 32nd in the nation, while fellow sophomore and starter Alex Keudell leads the staff with 54 strikeouts.
Drew Gagnier earned his fourth save of the season last Saturday at Stanford, and is managing a 0.75 ERA in 11 appearances and 12 innings on the mound. Fellow relievers Joey Housey (0.82 ERA, 1 SV) and Christian Jones (2.95 ERA, 1-1), have also done well on the hill this season.
ANDERSON NAMED TO WATCH LIST
Oregon Friday-night starter Tyler Anderson has been named to the College Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year award watch list, it was announced on March 23.
Anderson is one of 49 pitchers from across the country that was named to Tuesday’s watch list. The Pitcher of the Year Award will be presented in Lubbock, Texas, on July 2 as part of the College Baseball Awards Show.
This is the second year the CBF will present the Pitcher of the Year Award.
Anderson is currently 5-3 on the season with a 2.16 ERA. The sophomore lefty endured a stretch of thee straight victories on the mound from March 5-19, in starts against Fresno State, Seattle and Nevada. At one point, the Las Vegas native had tossed 21 scoreless innings for the Ducks.
The Pac-10 leads the country with nine pitchers on the Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year award watch list.
GAGNIER ON STOPPER OF THE YEAR WATCH LIST
Oregon junior right-hander Drew Gagnier was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List.
Gagnier is one of 40 collegiate baseball players that have been named to the initial watch list for the sixth annual NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.
The Santa Cruz, Calif., native was named Pac-10 Honorable Mention last season, and was drafted in the 14th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Oakland Athletics, but chose to return to the University of Oregon for 2010.
The Ducks main closer in 2009, Gagnier appeared in 23 games and finished the year with a 2.70 ERA, a 1-0 record and 30 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched. He finished the year with seven saves, tying for sixth in the Pac-10.
TOP-25 RECRUITING
Oregon inked 12 players during the early signing period, and each signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the U of O for the 2010-11 academic year. All 12 newcomers are currently in their senior year of high school.
This is Oregon’s third recruiting class since the reinstatement of the UO baseball program, and if history repeats itself, the 2010 graduating class should garner national honors like its predecessors.
Of Oregon’s 12 signees, six rank among the top-200 high school prospects for 2010, including three of the country’s top-50 ranked prospects, according to PerfectGame Crosschecker.
For two consecutive years, Oregon’s recruiting classes have earned top-25 accolades. The Ducks’ 2009 class, brought in for the program’s first season in 28 years, was ranked No. 2 in the nation by Collegiate Baseball’s annual evaluation, and was also ranked 10th in the nation by Baseball America’s evaluation.
The Ducks’ second class received the No. 24 ranking in the nation from Baseball America earlier this fall.
CIVIL WAR CLASSIC
Tickets are also currently on sale for The Civil War Classic presented by RBC Wealth Management. First pitch is set 6:30 p.m. from PGE Park in Portland on Wednesday, May 26.
Tickets, which range in price from $5-$35, are available at www.ticketmaster.com, and all Ticketmaster locations.
PK PARK
Oregon’s newest facility opened to 2,609 fans on March 2 as UO defeated Washington, 6-2. The park has full locker rooms, clubhouses and team amenities, as well as a state-of-the-art video board and a classic inning by inning score board.
The park has specially designed lighting structures. There is a landscaped area for food and hospitality and even a fan interaction area. There is a student seating area to enhance the intimacy for the Oregon baseball team and spectators.
Eugene architect firm Cameron, McCarthy, Gilbert & Scheibe was the lead landscape architectural firm on the first phase of construction. Larry Gilbert is leading the project.
“We have designed PK Park with all the features and amenities necessary to help the University of Oregon baseball program quickly establish itself as a regular on the ‘Road to Omaha’. The Ducks’ passionate fans will find their new ballpark to be one of the best places in the country to cheer on their favorite team,” said Greg Garlock, Designer and Principal with DLR Group.
PK Park has a total capacity of 4,000, including 3,000 fixed seats, a tiered party plaza named “Fowl Territory”, a picnic plaza and eight upper level suites.
FieldTurf
The field is made of an all-weather base-ball specific FieldTurf, with clay mounds and bullpens. FieldTurf is the leading provider of collegiate baseball synthetic turf. The company has been installing similar products at college ballparks around the country.
History
2008 – On August 15, 2008 The University of Oregon announced that work has begun on the construction of a new baseball park. PK Park is named after Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny for his leadership, vision, support, and commitment to the University of Oregon. It was projected to cost $15-$18 million.
2009 – Baseball returns to the University of Oregon. In the team’s first game at the park on Feb. 27, the Ducks beat Fresno State, the defending national champions in front of a sellout crowd.
Oregon (21-11, 4-5) remains on the road this week, and plays its third consecutive series against a ranked opponent with No. 1 UCLA (26-3, 4-2) on the schedule.
The Ducks have not played at UCLA since dropping two games on March 24, 1979. The Ducks are 3-13 all-time against UCLA, and 2-6 against the Bruins in Los Angeles.
Last week, Oregon took 2-of-3 games at then No. 22 Stanford, winning its first Pac-10 series since reinstatement.
RADIO BROADCASTS/MEDIA
Over the radio airwaves, Brian Prawitz will provide the play-by-play on THE SCORE 95.3 FM in the Eugene/Springfield area for all three game at UCLA this weekend. The broadcasts will also be simulcast via the O-Zone at www.GoDucks.com.
Live stats will also be made available at www.GoDucks.com.
O-ZONE: ONLINE VIDEO & AUDIO
Baseball fans can now watch Oregon baseball home games live on the O-Zone at www.GoDucks.com. All home games will offer live video and audio.
TICKETS
A reminder that single-game tickets for the 2010 season remain on sale. Duck fans can purchase tickets online by clicking HERE, over the phone by calling 1-800-WEB-FOOT, or in person at the Casanova Center Ticket Office.
QUICK HITS
• Oregon welcomes back five position starters from the 2009 squad; Curtis Raulinaitis, Danny Pulfer, KC Serna, Mitch Karraker and Jett Hart.
• The Ducks pitching staff has 11 returners, including sophomore left-hander Tyler Anderson, who is expected to start the series opener on Friday night against No. 1 UCLA.
• Oregon also welcomes 11 newcomers to the roster; eight freshmen and three juniors.
SCHEDULE NOTES
• Oregon opened 2010 on an eight-game road trip to southern California and Hawaii, and came back to Eugene with a 4-4 record.
• The Ducks played 12 of their first 14 games on the road, but returned to play nine consecutive home games before opening up Pac-10 play. The Ducks were 9-5 in their first 14 games, and 8-1 during a nine-game homestand.
• Eight opponents (ARIZ, ASU, CAL, CSF, FS, OSU, UCLA, WSU) on Oregon’s 2010 schedule are currently ranked in at least one national poll.
• Oregon’s longest home stretch of the season was nine games from Friday, March 12-Tuesday, March 23 as Seattle, Nevada and Southern Utah traveled to Eugene. The Ducks finished that stretch 8-1.
• Believe it or not, UO’s eight-game road trip to start the season is one of two on the year. Oregon will play eight-straight road games from Friday, April 9-Wednesday, April 21, traveling to Stanford, UCLA and Gonzaga.
• After Oregon’s game at UCLA on April 18, the Ducks will play in the Northwest the remainder of the season playing 15 contests at PK Park while traveling to Gonzaga, Oregon State, Portland and Washington.
OREGON UPDATE
Last week, Oregon (21-11, 4-5) won its first Pac-10 series since reinstatement. The Ducks took 2-of-3 games from then No. 22 Stanford at Sunken Diamond last weekend.
Oregon’s 5-2 victory last Friday was Oregon’s first win at Stanford since 1961. The series win also marked the first time the Ducks had won a Pac-10 series since April 25-26, 1980, after sweeping Washington in Eugene, 3-0.
UO had last won a Pac-10 series on road at Washington (3-0), May 7-8, 1976. Oregon’s four Pac-10 wins match their season total from 2009, with 18 conference games left to play.
Oregon is now set to play its third consecutive series against a ranked team, traveling to new No. 1 UCLA this weekend. The Ducks are playing the nation’s top team for second time in three weeks after hosting former No. 1 Arizona State at PK Park, April 1-3, as the Sun Devils took 2-of-3 from the Ducks.
Oregon is now 4-3 on the season against ranked teams, and ranks at 28 in RPI released by the NCAA on Tuesday.
ROAD TRIP
UO’s eight-game road trip began last Friday, as the Ducks defeated then No. 22 Stanford, 5-2 at Sunken Diamond. Currently in the middle of an eight-game road stand, the Ducks will play at No. 1 UCLA this weekend, and then head to Spokane for two games with Gonzaga on Tuesday and Wednesday.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
After Oregon finishes up in Gonzaga, the Ducks will head home for and eight-game stand that begins Friday, April 23 against visiting USC.
It will be Elvis Day at PK Park on April 23, with Elvis music and video clips played throughout the game. Fans that choose to dress up as Elvis, will also receive free entry into the game, and a trip to Las Vegas will also be given away.
UO will also host Greek Day vs. the Trojans on Saturday, April 24, and Little League Day on Sunday, April 25. Anyone in the 7th grade or under can receive free admission on Little League Day (April 25) by wearing their team jersey. The first 96 fans through the gates will receive a free pint of Umpqua Ice Cream, and after the game the UO baseball team will be available for autographs.
STRIKEOUT WITH PIZZA HUT
If the Oregon pitching staff accumulates 10 strikeouts in one game, fans will leave PK Park with a coupon for a free personal pan pizza courtesy of Pizza Hut.
UCLA PREVIEW
Oregon will play the nation’s top-ranked team for the second time in three weeks as the Ducks travel to No. 1 UCLA (26-3, 4-2) this weekend.
The Bruins took over the No. 1 spot in the Baseball America poll after taking 2-of-3 games from No. 18 Oregon State at Goss Stadium last week.
UCLA has won both of its Pac-10 series, opening conference play by winning 2-of-3 from Stanford, April 1-3.
Two of UCLA’s three weekend starters, right-handers Gerrit Cole (3) and Trevor Bauer (7) are ranked in the nation’s top-10 pitchers according to Kendall Rogers’ power rankings on www.yahoo.com. Cole is undefeated at 6-0 on the season, and maintains a 2.37 ERA. Bauer is 5-1 with a 1.95 ERA, and closer Dan Klein has six saves on the year and a 0.39 ERA in 18 appearances and 23 and 1/3 innings pitched. The Bruins’ pitching staff leads the country with a 2.28 ERA, as the Ducks follow closely with a 2.93 ERA ranking third in the nation.
RECAPPING STANFORD
A split with No. 22 Stanford last Saturday at Sunken Diamond propelled the Ducks to their first series win over a Pac-10 opponent since reinstatement.
Oregon opened the series with a 5-2 win on Friday night, and split Saturday’s doubleheader (rescheduled from Sunday due to rain).
The Ducks erased a five-run deficit, scoring eight runs in the final two innings of Game 2, to defeat Stanford, 9-6. UO then looked to have another comeback in the works, but left the bases loaded in the top of the ninth, suffering a 2-1 loss to the Cardinal in Game 3.
Oregon had last won a Pac-10 series, April 25-26, 1980, after sweeping Washington in Eugene, 3-0. The Ducks last won a Pac-10 series on the road at Washington (3-0), May 7-8, 1976.
During the Stanford series, a great starting effort from Tyler Anderson (5-3) on Friday night, along with Scott McGough’s third save of the season led UO to a win, while in Saturday’s victory it was the relief efforts of Zack Thornton and Drew Gagnier that allowed the comeback to take place.
At the plate, J.J. Altobelli was 5-for-10 with three RBIs, one double and one stolen base, while Jack Marder hit .400 with four RBIs, three runs scored and a stolen bag.
COMEBACK KIDS
For the second time this season, Oregon erased a five-run deficit in the late innings to thrust itself to victory. The first comeback happened on March 28 in Arizona, as Jack Marder hit a three-run homer in the top of the ninth, capping a six-run rally by the Ducks over the final three innings to stun Arizona, 9-8.
Down to their final out against UA, Oregon put together four consecutive hits, highlighted by Marder’s opposite field blast.
Last Saturday at Stanford, Marder again put himself in the middle of the rally. Oregon scored eight runs over the final two innings to lead the Ducks to a miraculous comeback victory, 9-6, over No. 22 Stanford.
UO trailed 6-1 entering the eighth as they struggled to figure out Stanford starter Jordan Pries for seven long innings. But Pries’ effort and win was squandered as three Stanford relievers combined to allow eight runs on five hits, three walks and two errors.
The Ducks scored three runs in the eighth, and with the bases loaded in the ninth, Marder drove a bases-clearing three-run double into the outfield as the Ducks took a 7-4 lead. The Calabasas, Calif., native had four RBIs in the final two innings and finished his day 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two doubles.
WHAT A START
Another outstanding outing from sophomore left-hander Tyler Anderson set up Oregon’s series-opening 5-2 victory at No. 22 Stanford last Friday night. The Las Vegas native tossed five and 2/3 innings, allowing two runs – only one earned – on five hits and three walks while fanning four.
Anderson’s effort was after pitching the first complete game of his career in a 1-0 loss to No.1 Arizona State on April 1. In his last two Pac-10 starts against top -25 teams, Anderson has tossed a combined 14 and 2/3 innings, allowing three runs – only two earned – on nine hits, while issuing three walks. The lefty has struck out 14, and has a 1.23 ERA in his last two outings.
On the season, Anderson leads the staff with a 5-3 record and 2.16 ERA (T-5th Pac-10; T-32nd nation). He has pitched 50 innings in eight starts, and has struck out 50 while walking just 15
IN RELIEF
Relief efforts from Scott McGough and Zack Thornton have been crucial for the Ducks over the past few weeks. Last Friday night as Oregon opened its series with No. 22 Stanford with a 5-2 victory, McGough came on and finished what Tyler Anderson started, holding Stanford scoreless for the final 3 and 1/3 innings and earning his third save of the season.
In his last three relief efforts at Arizona (March 28) vs. No. 1 Arizona State (April 2) and at Stanford last Friday night, McGough has been instrumental in the Ducks victories picking up saves against the Wildcats and Cardinal, while helping UO last 12 innings in a 6-5 win vs. the Sun Devils. In his last three appearances, McGough has tossed 7 and 2/3 scoreless innings, surrendering three hits and two walks, while fanning 11.
Thornton improved to 5-0 after last Saturday’s 9-6 comeback victory at Stanford. The right-hander lasted four and 2/3 innings after coming on in the fourth, and allowed just one run on four hits. Thornton also pitched three solid innings of relief vs. No. 1 Arizona State on April 2, holding the Sun Devils scoreless in three innings of work while striking out four on his way to victory in extra innings. In his last two relief efforts, Thornton is 2-0 and has allowed just one run in 7 and 2/3 innings of work, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out eight. On the year, Thornton is 5-0 with a 3.74 ERA and 35 strikeouts.
FRESHMEN PLAYING
Oregon head coach George Horton hasn’t been shy about putting his true freshmen in the thick of things this season.
Horton has two true freshmen starting regularly on defense with Jack Marder now playing first base, and J.J. Altobelli at third base. Steven Packard, who hit his first collegiate home run at Arizona on March 26, is also in the mix making starts against right-handers.
Marder, who hit an opposite field three-run homer to help Oregon to a 9-8 victory at Arizona on March 28, and hit a three-run double in the ninth to put the Ducks ahead of Stanford last Saturday, is hitting .220 with 20 RBIs, 20 runs scored and five doubles, while leading the team with three of UO’s 11 round-trippers on the season.
Altobelli has been nothing but consistent at third base. The Newport Beach, Calif., native is hitting .308 overall, and a team-best .364 in Pac-10 play. He has 20 RBIs, 18 runs scored and six doubles. It was Altobelli who led off the bottom of the 12th with a bunt single, eventually scoring the game-winning run on Marcus Piazzisi’s walk-off RBI single vs. then No. 1 Arizona State on April 2.
Packard has made 18 starts in 20 appearances this year, and is batting .255. The right fielder has been walked nine times and has three doubles and one home run as well as three assists from the outfield.
THE STAFF
This weekend, the top two pitching staffs in the Pac-10 will go head-to-head as No. 1 UCLA will host Oregon at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The Bruins lead the country and the Pac-10 with a 2.28 ERA, while UO’s 2.93 ERA ranks second in the league and third in the nation.
Tyler Anderson’s 2.16 ERA ranks 32nd in the nation, while fellow sophomore and starter Alex Keudell leads the staff with 54 strikeouts.
Drew Gagnier earned his fourth save of the season last Saturday at Stanford, and is managing a 0.75 ERA in 11 appearances and 12 innings on the mound. Fellow relievers Joey Housey (0.82 ERA, 1 SV) and Christian Jones (2.95 ERA, 1-1), have also done well on the hill this season.
ANDERSON NAMED TO WATCH LIST
Oregon Friday-night starter Tyler Anderson has been named to the College Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year award watch list, it was announced on March 23.
Anderson is one of 49 pitchers from across the country that was named to Tuesday’s watch list. The Pitcher of the Year Award will be presented in Lubbock, Texas, on July 2 as part of the College Baseball Awards Show.
This is the second year the CBF will present the Pitcher of the Year Award.
Anderson is currently 5-3 on the season with a 2.16 ERA. The sophomore lefty endured a stretch of thee straight victories on the mound from March 5-19, in starts against Fresno State, Seattle and Nevada. At one point, the Las Vegas native had tossed 21 scoreless innings for the Ducks.
The Pac-10 leads the country with nine pitchers on the Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year award watch list.
GAGNIER ON STOPPER OF THE YEAR WATCH LIST
Oregon junior right-hander Drew Gagnier was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List.
Gagnier is one of 40 collegiate baseball players that have been named to the initial watch list for the sixth annual NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.
The Santa Cruz, Calif., native was named Pac-10 Honorable Mention last season, and was drafted in the 14th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Oakland Athletics, but chose to return to the University of Oregon for 2010.
The Ducks main closer in 2009, Gagnier appeared in 23 games and finished the year with a 2.70 ERA, a 1-0 record and 30 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched. He finished the year with seven saves, tying for sixth in the Pac-10.
TOP-25 RECRUITING
Oregon inked 12 players during the early signing period, and each signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the U of O for the 2010-11 academic year. All 12 newcomers are currently in their senior year of high school.
This is Oregon’s third recruiting class since the reinstatement of the UO baseball program, and if history repeats itself, the 2010 graduating class should garner national honors like its predecessors.
Of Oregon’s 12 signees, six rank among the top-200 high school prospects for 2010, including three of the country’s top-50 ranked prospects, according to PerfectGame Crosschecker.
For two consecutive years, Oregon’s recruiting classes have earned top-25 accolades. The Ducks’ 2009 class, brought in for the program’s first season in 28 years, was ranked No. 2 in the nation by Collegiate Baseball’s annual evaluation, and was also ranked 10th in the nation by Baseball America’s evaluation.
The Ducks’ second class received the No. 24 ranking in the nation from Baseball America earlier this fall.
CIVIL WAR CLASSIC
Tickets are also currently on sale for The Civil War Classic presented by RBC Wealth Management. First pitch is set 6:30 p.m. from PGE Park in Portland on Wednesday, May 26.
Tickets, which range in price from $5-$35, are available at www.ticketmaster.com, and all Ticketmaster locations.
PK PARK
Oregon’s newest facility opened to 2,609 fans on March 2 as UO defeated Washington, 6-2. The park has full locker rooms, clubhouses and team amenities, as well as a state-of-the-art video board and a classic inning by inning score board.
The park has specially designed lighting structures. There is a landscaped area for food and hospitality and even a fan interaction area. There is a student seating area to enhance the intimacy for the Oregon baseball team and spectators.
Eugene architect firm Cameron, McCarthy, Gilbert & Scheibe was the lead landscape architectural firm on the first phase of construction. Larry Gilbert is leading the project.
“We have designed PK Park with all the features and amenities necessary to help the University of Oregon baseball program quickly establish itself as a regular on the ‘Road to Omaha’. The Ducks’ passionate fans will find their new ballpark to be one of the best places in the country to cheer on their favorite team,” said Greg Garlock, Designer and Principal with DLR Group.
PK Park has a total capacity of 4,000, including 3,000 fixed seats, a tiered party plaza named “Fowl Territory”, a picnic plaza and eight upper level suites.
FieldTurf
The field is made of an all-weather base-ball specific FieldTurf, with clay mounds and bullpens. FieldTurf is the leading provider of collegiate baseball synthetic turf. The company has been installing similar products at college ballparks around the country.
History
2008 – On August 15, 2008 The University of Oregon announced that work has begun on the construction of a new baseball park. PK Park is named after Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny for his leadership, vision, support, and commitment to the University of Oregon. It was projected to cost $15-$18 million.
2009 – Baseball returns to the University of Oregon. In the team’s first game at the park on Feb. 27, the Ducks beat Fresno State, the defending national champions in front of a sellout crowd.
