Ducks Lose Series Opener in Civil War, 7-3

Oregon State wins the first of three critical games at Corvallis last night, sparked by a huge fifth inning that knocked out Oregon’s starting pitcher and scoring five straight runs after the Ducks took a 3-2 lead early in the contest. It ends the Ducks’ nine game winning streak and the Beavers have won two of the three games they played against each other.

Alex Keudell (10-4) was charged with a loss in a shaky start that didn’t end well. He gave up two runs in the first inning right after Oregon (42-15, 19-9) scored two runs at the top of the frame. A total of five hits, earned runs, and walks were all given up in 5.1 innings. Oregon State (36-18, 16-12) didn’t have to use much of their bullpen. Starting pitcher Ben Wetzler (7-2) gave up three more hits but only three earned runs and struck out six Ducks in 5.2 innings. Scott Schultz went the rest of the way, completely shutting out the Ducks offense and punched out three of them. He picked up his first save on the season.

It was the top of the order did the offensive work for Oregon. Ryon Healy and Aaron Jones picked up the three runs in the first two innings, J.J. Altobelli had two hits and counted for two of the runs. Nine batters were left on base.

With the loss and Arizona’s 1-0 victory against Arizona State, both the Ducks and Wildcats are tied at first place in the conference. UCLA is one game back after defeating USC, 3-1. The Sun Devils are now two games back, along with Stanford who lost an 18-inning marathon to California, 5-4.

The series continues today at 1:05 p.m. (PT) at Goss Stadium. It will be televised on Root Sports Northwest. For those that have DirecTV, you find the contest on channel 687 (Sports Pack premium package required for people outside of the viewing area).

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