It’s all about defense.
Today, No. 8 Oregon (19-6 overall, 13-5 Pacific Mountain Conference) will face No. 1 Colorado State (23-0 overall, 15-0 Rocky Mountain Conference) at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla., at the National Club Baseball Association’s World Series. The Ducks will play at 9:30 a.m. EST against one of the top defensive teams in the country in their World Series debut.
Oregon earned its first-ever trip to the NCBA World Series after beating defending national champion Weber State (16-7 overall, 11-1 Western Mountain Conference) and then defeating Western Washington (22-9 overall, 15-3 Pacific Mountain Conference) for the Northern Pacific Regional Title.
“We have been waiting for this opportunity for such a long time now,” catcher Jon Loomis said.
The Ducks will start pitcher Matt Mensik, and after almost a full week of practice, Oregon feels prepared to compete against the nation’s top teams.
The regional champions from seven other conferences participating in the World Series include Central Michigan, Colorado State, James Madison, North Carolina State, Penn State, Texas A&M and Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Colorado’s undefeated record does not intimidate the Ducks. Instead, center fielder Mason Wright said it gives the team an edge on the Rams.
“It gives us that much more of an incentive to want to beat them,” Wright said. “I think we definitely have the advantage because they might take us for granted.”
Loomis said Colorado State’s undefeated record could possibly be a bit deceiving. The Rocky Mountain Conference, Loomis said, is “not nearly as tough as our regular-season league.”
Colorado State is known for its excellent defense, but its hitting and pitching is rumored to be only average.
“We have heard they have very good defense,” Loomis said. “The reason why they win is because they make no errors.”
Loomis said the Ducks are willing to give up the defensive battle as long as the team wins the pitching and offensive categories. In the past, Oregon’s main weakness has been its defensive play. In order to improve, the team has made some adjustments in this category and has moved players to different positions in order to strengthen infield play.
First baseman Jeff Douglas said the team feels well-rested and healthy coming into today’s game. More importantly, he said, the Ducks feel good about their chances against the Rams.
“It’s all or nothing right now,” Douglas said. “We are feeling pretty confident after last week’s regional wins.”
The winner of the Oregon-Colorado State game will play the winner of the Texas A&M – Central Michigan game and will play Friday at 12:30 p.m. EST The loser of both matchups will meet in the consolation bracket.