The Oregon Ducks (27-21, 9-12) lost a one-sided matchup with rival Oregon State (30-14, 13-9) 10-2 on Tuesday at Goss Stadium.
Oregon State opened the scoring with a five-run third inning off Oregon starter Josh Graham, who was suspended the entire Stanford series for a violation of team rules. Outfielder Jeff Hendrix’s two-run single in the fourth inning chased Graham out of the game and extended the Beavers’ lead to 7-0.
Conor Harber found himself in a familiar middle relief role after Graham’s struggles. In his first three appearances this season, Harber picked up three wins tossing 16 innings of shutout relief behind starting pitcher Cole Irvin. He was rewarded with a spot in the starting rotation, but went winless in six starts.
Josh Graham, meanwhile, posted consecutive five and six-inning relief efforts behind Harber and promptly usurped his starting job. Tonight, however, Graham made an early exit and Harber came to his aid. Harber lasted three innings and conceded a lone run to the final batter he faced.
Oregon State far outmatched Oregon offensively. Every Beaver reached base, and all but one hit safely, whereas only two Ducks contributed hits. Jacob Goldfarb’s four hits and RBI proved the lone silver lining in an otherwise hideous performance.
Oregon took two out of three against Oregon State in the Civil War at PK Park earlier this season, earning the first in miraculous walk-off fashion. With tonight’s win, Oregon State evens the series at two apiece, with the rubber match scheduled for May 19.
Follow Kenny Jacoby on Twitter @KennyJacoby