Oregon Ducks Open Series vs Arizona With Win, Svekis Hits Two Home Runs
The Oregon Ducks opened a three-game series and Top Ten matchup with the Arizona Wildcats with a 5-2 win.
Things were fairly even in the first inning as both Starters settled in, or so they thought. Gwen Svekis found her early season power hitting two home runs with her first coming in the second inning to give the Oregon Ducks a 1-0 lead It was the first lead for Oregon Starter Megan Kleist since the non-conference part of the season.
Kleist did not allow an Arizona runner to reach first base until the fourth inning. The Oregon Ducks had an early Offensive error with Alexis Mack putting down a bunt that ended in an out as a result. She would have another opportunity in the sixth with a better outcome. She led off the bottom of the sixth with a bunt single.
At the end of the frame, it was 5-1 Oregon after Gwen Svekis hit her second home run and Shannon Rhodes added a solo home run.
The Oregon Ducks Offense found balance against one of the top pitchers in the nation in Taylor McQuillin who was denied her 19th win of the season. The victory marked the 30th win of the season for Oregon Softball.
More from Autzen Zoo
- Oregon football: Ducks and Coach Prime playing it cordial leading up to Saturday
- Oregon Basketball: Non-conference slate features Michigan coming to Eugene
- Oregon football: Ducks find complete game effort in win vs Hawaii
- Oregon Ducks must get run game going against Hawaii
- 8 Pac-12 teams represented in Associated Press Top 25 after Week 2
After struggling early in the season, Megan Kleist was dominant. She gave up just two runs scattering 8 hits in a complete game throwing 7 innings. She finished with 7 strikeouts. Her most impressive statistic is in the walks category. She has issued just one free pass over a 45 inning span.
Gwen Svekis leads Oregon in home runs. She had 10 all of last season and hit her 11th on Friday night.
Arizona will likely again send McClellan to the mound on Saturday. For the Oregon Ducks, Head Coach Mike White has several options. On Tuesday Starter Miranda Elish threw a perfect game against Portland State. She had 16 strikeouts in a winning effort and could get the start on Saturday for the game on ESPN.
The Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats return for Game 2 on Saturday(Noon, ESPN) and conclude their three-game series on Sunday(3 pm, Pac-12 Network)