Press Release from the University of Oregon:

Scott Heineman
GoDucks.com

PORTLAND, Ore. – Scott Heineman came up big for the Oregon Ducks again on Tuesday at Portland. The reigning Pac-12 Player of the Week launched a two-out, three-run home run to left-center field to break a tie game and give No. 10 Oregon a 4-1 non-conference win at Joe Etzel Field.

Heineman, who entered last weekend’s series at California with one career home run, hit a home run in his third consecutive game. It was his fourth homer in the last three games.

Ryon Healy, who launched a two-out solo home run in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game at 1-1, started the ninth inning rally with a two-out walk. Healy stole second to get into scoring position, before freshman Mitchell Tolman followed with another walk to set the table for Heineman.

All-American closer Jimmie Sherfy came in the bottom of the ninth inning and struck out three of the four Pilots he faced to get his 12th save of the season, tying him for the national lead. Freshman Garrett Cleavinger (2-0) picked up the win allowing one-hit while striking out two in 1.1 innings.

Tolman led Oregon going 2-for-3 at the plate, while Healy was 1-for-4 with two runs scored. Heineman went 1-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored.

Portland (13-23) took a 1-0 lead with a run in the bottom of the fourth. Brian Frattali did the damage with a RBI double scoring Caleb Whalen.

Healy tied the game in the top of the seventh when he launched his home run over the left-field fence. It was Healy’s team-leading seventh homer of the season.

Oregon (28-8) hosts No. 13 UCLA in a crucial Pac-12 three-game series this weekend starting Friday at 7 p.m. on the Pac-12 Networks.

PK Park, Oregon vs Portland, 03/26/13
KPNWSports

It may not be summer just yet, but the Ducks(19-6) still have to play the games at PK Park. The weather was a little chilly, but at least the sun was out for the just over 1000 fans that watched Oregon take to the field on Tuesday night against the Portand Pilots(8-16). Coach George Horton gave the start to Pitcher Brando Tessar, a little over a year removed from surgery, to shake off some rust. He pitched the first two innings for the Ducks. Midweek games are a good time for pitchers to get a tuneup, and Oregon used nine.

Tessar got it started with two innings, followed by Jordan Spence(2 hits, 1 run), Cole Wiper(1 hit), Sam Johnson, Jared Preistley, Clayton Crum, and Derek Smith held the Pilots hitless from the 3rd to the 6th. Darrell Hunter gave up a hit and Garrett Cleavenger closed it out for his second save on the season. Hunter picked up the win.

Offensively it took Oregon a few inning to break through, but when they did in the bottom of the seventh it was big. Mitchell Tollman hit a three run double giving the Ducks a 4-1 lead. Tyler Baumgarner and Brett Graham both went 2-4 and helped the Ducks to 10 hits for the game.

The Ducks begin a three game series with Washington on Thursday night at 6pm at PK Park.

Oregon Ducks This Week:

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In Friday’s opener Oregon(18-6, 5-1 Pac 12) took care of Arizona(15-11, 0-6 Pac 12) with three pitchers, starting with Jake Reed(3-3) who was able to get back to .500 in allowing six hits in six innings, striking out three and walking three. Pitcher Jimmie Sherfy picked up his seventh save of the season. At the plate Oregon was led by Shaun Chase(1 run, 1 hit) and Aaron Payne as the Ducks took the Opener 2-1.

Eric Evans/GoDucks.com

Saturday afternoon was a great day for baseball and once again Oregon did not disappoint. Again, it was the pitching. Starter Tommy Thorpe(3-2) and three relievers again limited Arizona’s offense to one run. Thorpe gave up six hits in 6 2/3 innings of work and allowed Arizona’s only run. At the plate Ryon Healy hit a three run homerun that opened up the game and the Ducks again won, this time 5-1.

Sunday’s finale ended up being the ‘hang on’ variety.  Oregon Starting Pitcher Cole Irvin went 5 1/3 giving up 3 runs, two earned and striking out one. In relief, Jeff Gold came into the game and shut down Arizona hitters for two innings. He struck out two. Pitcher Garrett Cleavenger gave up a run, leaving the game in the usually sure hand of Jimmie Sherfy. This time Arizona got to him, he gave up three hits, leading to two runs, but was able to close the door. Oregon won the finale 7–6 and swept the series with Arizona.

“Great accomplishment for the sweep. Whether they’re down or not, who knows? I don’t think they’re that bad of a team. Luckily we got three wins before they start playing well. We’ll take it.”  Coach George Horton

Oregon’s homestand continues with a game on Tuesday at 6pm as they host Portland for a one game set, before continuing the Pac 12 Schedule Thursday with Washington coming to Eugene.

Oregon Ducks This Week:

PAC-12 Men’s Basketball – Weekend Postseason Recap