Steven Packard’s hustle did more than give No. 12 Oregon the lead in the ninth inning against San Diego State during the season opener.
After Oregon lefty Cole Irvin pitched seven shutout innings and entrusted the bullpen a 2-0 lead last Friday, the Ducks quickly lost it.
In the eighth, freshman shortstop Travis Moniot committed an error that freshman Isaiah Carranza struggled to pitch out of. It was the pair’s first collegiate game. The Aztecs eventually tied the game, after appearing ineffective offensively.
Oregon coaches help Oregon outfielder Steven Packard (29) off the field after hurting his arm. The Oregon Ducks play the New Mexico State Aggies at PK Park in Eugene, Oregon on February 20, 2015. (Cole Elsasser/Emerald)
Enter Packard, Oregon’s leadoff man in the final frame of the recently tied contest and a redshirt senior playing in his first game since Feb. 20 of last year.
The designated hitter singled on an 0-2 pitch for his second hit of the night.
After catcher Tim Susnara failed to bunt Packard over to second, Matt Eureste wore a pitch on his right leg that helped Packard move into scoring position.
Give Eureste credit for his role in the story.
Moniot was up next, and the freshman hit a deep fly ball to right field for a routine fly out. What happened in this moment revealed Packard as a wise and decisive baserunner.
Any intuitive baseball player knows to tag up from second on a fly ball to right field with less than two outs.
Packard never once broke stride en fervent route to the plate. Yes, an 180-feet bout from second base to home.
And Packard did it safely.
It was a close play at the plate and required every bit of effort. If Packard, even for a step, let up, he’s out — resulting in a runner on second base with two outs, a much less preferred situation if you’re the Ducks.
Packard’s sprint gave Oregon a crucial 3-2 lead, before the team exploded for five more runs, which perhaps overshadowed the significance of Packard’s play. Hustle doesn’t show up in the box score, and fans, unless watching the live stream online, likely didn’t get a chance to appreciate Packard’s sprint.
Packard being ruled safe supplied confidence to an offense and team that struggled a year ago. To say Packard’s hustle played a role in the following game is bold.
But it set a tone other Ducks followed.
The following game Oregon’s offense erupted again to score in each of the first four innings for seven total runs. Packard himself picked up 2 RBIs and 2 more runs scored on Saturday.
So what really happened?
Packard gave Oregon a reason to never stop hustling in 2016:
It may catalyst a win, or two.
Follow Andrew on Twitter @AndrewBantly
