Oregon Ducks clinch series

Behind a strong start from Jake Reed, the Oregon Ducks held down No. 17 Vanderbilt to just two runs once again in a 7-2 victory. They have now clinched the three game set and will go in for the kill today.

Making just his second career start, Reed pitched six innings of three-hit ball and struck out five while allowing just two runs. First baseman Chris Harvey struck first for the Dores with an RBI single in the first inning, but Reed was in control afterwards.

While the Oregon Ducks had less hits (6-5), they also had three steals (none for the Dores) and four more walks in this extra-base-hit-less affair in Nashville. Sam Selman notched his second loss of the season for Vandy, as he allowed three earned runs in 3.2 innings despite giving up just one hit and striking out three. He allowed four unearned runs in total, due to the fact that he walked four guys, committed a balk, and threw a wild pitch in a game where his control was non-existent.

Tommy Thorpe and Joey Housey pitched three scoreless frames to finish the ballgame for the Oregon Ducks, and they gave up just three hits between them. Housey struck out two in his two innings and allowed just one hit. By the way, starter Jake Reed induced nine groundouts compared to just two fly outs in a controlled game for the 1-0 starter.

The Oregon Ducks are now 6-1 and continue to pitch well, hit like the pros, and play mistake-free defense. Kyle Garlick stole two bases for the Ducks (four this season) to show that this team also has speed and can burn you on the bases. Aaron Payne played smart baseball in the No. 2 hole with two walks and a steal, and he set himself up to score in a big fourth inning that was filled with mistakes by Selman and the Dores.

You can follow me on Twitter @SorianoJoe and Autzen Zoo @Autzen_Zoo.

Like us on Facebook at Autzen Zoo.