In a thrilling matchup at PK Park, the Oregon Ducks faced off against Cal Poly on Saturday, where the Ducks showcased their power by hitting five home runs. However, Cal Poly mounted a stunning comeback, defeating Oregon 10-8 and eliminating them from the Eugene Regional Tournament.
The game began with Cal Poly taking an early lead, hitting a two-run homer in the bottom of the second inning. Oregon responded in the third, narrowing the gap before tying the game with runs in the fifth. Key moments included a two-run home run from Hellman, and later, Cooney’s two-run blast that gave the Ducks a short-lived 6-5 lead. Oregon extended their lead to 8-5 in the seventh inning with back-to-back homers from key players, but the Mustangs rallied late, scoring five runs in the final two innings to secure their victory.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Oregon’s coach expressed pride in his players, acknowledging the resilience demonstrated by both teams. He highlighted the excellent coaching from Cal Poly’s team, emphasizing how competitive the match was. The Ducks finished the year strong, winning a conference championship and preparing to build on their successes for the future.
The contributions from players like Jacob Walsh and Grayson Grinsell were noted, with Grinsell even finishing the season with a notable 267 strikeouts, ranking him third in Oregon’s history. The Ducks acknowledged the disappointment of not progressing further in the tournament, but there was a clear sense of hope and determination to return stronger next season.
As Oregon reflects on this season, they see a foundation for growth, boosted by fan support and a talented roster. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective, urging his players to appreciate their experiences and continue developing both on and off the field.
With a promising future ahead, the Ducks aim to recover from this setback and use it as motivation for the upcoming season. Fans can look forward to seeing how this team, filled with dedicated athletes, will evolve and improve.