Staff reporter Andrew Bantly and associate sports editor Kenny Jacoby offer analysis, insights and predictions about the Ducks’ upcoming series with Illinois State this weekend.
Were you surprised by the Ducks’ offensive production to begin the season? Do you think it’s sustainable?
Bantly – A little bit. You can never really expect an offense to begin any which way. But, this team knocked 13 extra-base hits with 18 RBIs in three games. That’s really impressive. I think this lineup showed that it can be successful at any spot in the batting order. So no, I don’t think 13 extra base hits is sustainable, but I think this offense can deliver in any situation.
Jacoby — Yes. Last year, Oregon’s offense rested largely on the shoulders of one player: Mitchell Tolman. The fact a few different players stepped up is encouraging. A.J. Balta’s three hits were a double and two home runs. Tim Susnara knocked a couple of doubles. Three players tripled, including Daniel Patzlaff, who had five hits in 11 at-bats. The Ducks will need to keep sharing the wealth to keep up this level of production.
Even though Oregon swept its opening series, it didn’t play perfect baseball for 27 innings. What’s your biggest question heading into the second week of the season? (lineup, defense, pitching etc.)
Bantly – For me, it’s the defense. It’s early, yes. But four errors between Oregon’s two middle infielders is too many for a weekend series, neither is six for a team. Travis Moniot, Oregon’s freshman shortstop, seems to have some leash to spare, but how long? With Mark Karaviotis moved over to third and Matt Eureste on the bench, it’s hard to tell.
Jacoby — Defense is not a huge concern for me in the second week. It’s normal for players to get the kinks out in the season’s early games, while they figure out where they fit into the defensive equation. Rather, I’m interested in whether they can continue to score six or seven runs per game against nonconference opponents, as well as the quality of Matt Krook’s starts. Krook’s performance this season will be crucial to the Ducks’ success.
Series prediction:
Bantly – Oregon sweeps, 4-0. It’s an audacious prediction, but I think going to freshman pitcher Isaiah Carranza on Thursday to begin the series really sets up the three-headed southpaw monster in Cole Irvin, Matt Krook and David Peterson to finish the weekend. That first game, I think, is the most likely to be lost. And I don’t think the Ducks will lose in their home opener.
Jacoby — 3-1 Oregon. It’s early in the season and the Ducks are human; no team is playing its best baseball yet. They made two defensive errors in each game against San Diego State, and those mistakes almost cost them games one and three. But Oregon’s pitching staff has the potential to take over each game of the upcoming series.