The weekend started off on a high note for the No. 5 Oregon baseball team, which achieved a significant victory against Iowa. In their quest for the Big Ten lead, the Ducks needed not only to sweep the Hawkeyes but also help from Northwestern to defeat UCLA. Both conditions fell into place on Thursday, as Oregon dominated Iowa with a decisive 10-0 run-rule win at Duane Banks Field.
Pitcher Grayson Grinsell delivered an impressive performance, striking out eight batters and allowing only two hits while walking one and hitting two batters over seven innings of shutout baseball. This victory improved Grinsell’s season record to 9-2 and lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.33, including a remarkable 1.36 mark in conference games.
Oregon took the lead early in the match, beginning with a series of three consecutive singles that set up Drew Smith to drive in the first run. Smith later increased the score to 2-0 after successfully sliding home to avoid a tag in the fifth inning. Following this, the Ducks loaded the bases, allowing Carter Garate to unleash a grand slam, marking his second home run of the season, and extending the lead to 6-0.
The offensive momentum continued with Maddox Molony hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning and then following it up with another homer in the seventh. Ryan Cooney also added to the scoreboard with a home run of his own shortly after, ultimately triggering the run rule.
This season has been particularly fruitful for the Ducks in terms of power hitting, as they have now recorded eight grand slams, surpassing their previous season records by three.
Looking ahead, Oregon’s strong performance places them in an advantageous position in the standings. The Ducks are currently 39-13 overall and 20-8 in the Big Ten, as they prepare for game two of the series against Iowa on Friday at 4 p.m. PT, which will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. This continued success highlights the potential for a strong finish to their regular season.