This weekend, the Oregon Ducks will host a loaded group of teams in Eugene for the opening round of the NCAA Tournament with the Eugene Regional. Former Pac 12 foes Washington State and Oregon State join Ivy League Champions Yale for what promises to be a weekend filled with drama. The ultimate goal for the Ducks will be to survive and advance as this is a group with enough talent to make a run to Omaha.
The elite freshman trio has been one of the biggest stories for Oregon Baseball, but in the postseason veterans are key. If the Ducks are going to survive the Eugene Regional, 5 players are going to need to rise to the moment, and help lead this team through a tough field.
The 5 most pivotal pieces to Regional success for Oregon Baseball
Tanner Bradley - Relief Pitcher
The way that the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game ended may have an effect on Tanner Bradley, as he allowed the tying run to score with two outs in the 9th inning. Bradley is going to need to rebound quickly as he'll be heavily relied upon over this stretch. If the starters hand the ball off to the bullpen with a lead, Bradley will have to handle multiple innings before Devin Bell tries to seal the save.
Devin Bell - Closer
After the way that the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game ended with Devin Bell hitting a Bruins batter to end the game, he'll be out for revenge in the Eugene Regional. Oregon will need Bell to have the memory of a goldfish, and return to form if they're going to have any chance of going on a run in the Tournament. Bell will only be called upon in big situations, and he'll need to come through to ensure the Ducks' season stays alive.
Maddox Molony - Shortstop
The Oregon offense is at its best when Maddox Molony is contributing in a big way at the bottom of the lineup. Molony is a much better player than the .230 average says, and a great stretch in Regionals will make the Ducks an even tougher out.
Drew Smith - 3rd Baseman
Drew Smith made the All-Eugene Regional team last year, and the Ducks will need a similar level of performance again this season. Smith has been crucial for the Ducks this season, but with a lineup that's highly dependent on freshmen, he'll need to elevate his game a level with the pressure of the postseason. If Oregon is going to have any success this postseason, Smith is going to have to continue driving in runs at a high rate, and helping keep pressure on opposing pitchers.
Collin Clarke - Pitcher
Given that Collin Clarke has started games, and contributed out of the bullpen, a format like Regionals will make him a key piece of the puzzle for the Ducks. Whether Clarke is called on to start a game, give the Ducks length out of the pen, or get critical outs late in the game, he'll need to be up to the task for the Ducks.
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