Oregon Takes First Game Against Washington State
By Brian Spaen
A strong pitching performance behind Alex Keudell helps the Oregon Ducks take a 6-2 victory in the first game of the series against the Washington State Cougars. It’s Keudell’s fifth-consecutive win on the mound and moves to 6-3 on the year.
Oregon (27-10, 11-5) took the lead early with two runs in the first inning and then knocking out the Washington State (18-16, 5-7) starter, Sean Hartnett (0-1), in the fourth inning by scoring three more. Right fielder Kyle Garlick had two hits and three RBIs, continuing his terrific play and maintaining the best team batting average. Aaron Jones, who has the second-highest batting average, was not in the lineup.
Garlick was helped by both Aaron Payne and Ryon Healy to tack on three more RBIs to get his season total to 21. Six different Ducks represented all six runs that were scored.
Keudell had seven solid innings of work, giving up seven hits but only letting two runs score and struck out seven. Hartnett gave up six hits, five runs (all earned), and only notched one strikeout in the 18 batters he faced. He was releaved after getting two outs in the third inning.
OTHER NOTES
- The Ducks only had 4 LOB, all charged to third baseman Thomas Walker.
- Cougars’ designated hitter, Adam Nelubowich, had seven of the team’s 12 total LOB.
- Keudell’s seven strikeouts tied his season-high.
Saturday’s game will take place at 2:00 p.m. (PT) as right-handed pitcher Jake Reed (4-2, 2.19) will be the starter for the Ducks. The contest will be available to watch online only. Sunday’s game at 12:00 p.m. (PT) will be available both online and on CSN Northwest.
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