Oregon Ducks Baseball Opens Important Series vs Arizona
A big series awaits the Oregon Ducks as they continue to make their case for an NCAA Tournament berth, and taking care of business at home this weekend vs Arizona could be the key.
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The Oregon Ducks Baseball team is looking to make the NCAA Tournament and are on a late season roll after taking two of three from the Oregon State Beavers on the road and sweeping the series against Portland and winning four of their last five games. This weekend will be a challenge with Arizona coming to Eugene. With just two weeks left in the season wins could get the Oregon Ducks to where they want to be where a series loss could easily have Horton and the Ducks left on the outside looking in on the 2016 post season.
Oregon has found their way back to hitting, and it appears that former Starter Matt Krook, who earned the win in Game 2 against Portland has returned to form, at least in the short order. He threw two solid innings and picked up the win on Wednesday. He will not start this weekend, but will remain as a bullpen option for Head Coach George Horton.
The Wildcats come into the series winning four of their last six games games. Over their last eight games they are a .500 team. It could be seen as a similarity between both Oregon and Arizona at this point of the season. The Wildcats are ranked third in the Pac-12, the Ducks come in 5th and can make a move with a series win this weekend. Arizona is hitting .287 this season and Oregon’s struggles at the plate that have been well documented this season, have again appeared to have come back around after taking out Portland over two games earlier this week.
Zach Gibbons is the player to watch for Arizona. He has not only had a hit in 10 straight games, but he has reached base in 48 straight. He is hitting at a .410 clip during the streak.
Next: Oregon Softball Sweeps Season Awards
For Oregon, Cole Irvin will take the mound on Friday, followed by David Peterson on Saturday and Matt Mercer on Sunday.The three game series against Arizona begins on Friday at 4pm at PK Park, continues on Saturday at 4 and concludes on Sunday at Noon.