With four runs in the opening frame and ace Cole Irvin on the mound, Oregon baseball couldn’t have asked for a better start in game one of its series at USC.
However, the Ducks saw their lead evaporate and a close contest turn into a blowout.
The Trojans rebutted Oregon’s crooked number in the first with three runs on three hits and two errors before Irvin settled in. He retired eight of his next nine batters, but imploded in the fourth.
After walking in the tying run, Irvin served a two-out grand slam to Timmy Robinson and was promptly yanked from the game. Cooper Stiles threw 2.1 innings of relief, but was similarly victimized by a breakout USC seventh inning.
The Trojans chased Stiles out after three consecutive hits extended their lead to 10-5. Two singles and two pitchers later, USC rested with a comfortable 13-5 edge.
The Ducks continue to struggle putting the ball in play with bats in their hands. Although they rapped 24 hits over the last two games, they recorded just six knocks tonight. The Ducks lead the Pac-12 in walks and strikeouts and added seven and nine respectively to their totals tonight.
Matt Eureste provided the sole offensive spark for Oregon, belting two hits including an RBI-double in the seventh.
Following a shocking win in the Civil War series last weekend, the Ducks hoped their season had turned the corner. They’ll likely call freshman David Peterson, who has lost his last five starts, to even the series in game two tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.
Follow Kenny Jacoby on Twitter @kennyjacoby