Oregon Ducks Bullpen Falters In Loss To Ilinois State, Krook Throws Seven Innings

The Oregon Ducks bullpen faltered for the first time this season in a 3-2 loss to Illinois State on Satrurday, it was the Ducks first loss of the season.

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The Redbirds win snapped a five game winning streak and squandered a solid performance from Starter Matt Krook who returned to PK Park for the first time since 2014. He gave up two hits and a run and struck out eight in seven solid innings of work. Kyle Robenoil and Cooper Stiles followed Krook and Stiles walked the bases loaded in the top of the ninth. Oregon had some pop in the bottom of the inning with a home run, but Oregon fell short 3-2.

Entering the series, Illinois State was hitting at a better clip than Oregon, but the Redbirds bats were quieted for the better part of three games until they woke up on Saturday night. Freshman Slade Heggen had his first career start for George Horton’s team but it was inexperience that may have cost Oregon in the end. Heggen allowed a passed ball in the ninth inning.

For the game Matt Krook threw 113 pitches and it took him into the 7th inning. Krook is among two pitchers on the Oregon Ducks roster than have had Tommy John Surgery over the last two seasons. The first was Cole Irvin, who is the regular Friday starter. He returned last season following surgery and missing the 2014 season for the team. Krook missed all of 2015 with the team.

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The Oregon Ducks and Illinois State Redbirds wrap up a four games series on Sunday. First pitch is set for Noon at PK Park.