The Oregon club baseball team stumbled out of the blocks this weekend, dropping both games of a double-header at George Fox University.
In game one, Oregon had the bases loaded facing a one-run deficit but couldn’t capitalize, losing 5-4. In the second game, the Ducks couldn’t stop George Fox’s offense, as the Bruins piled up 14 hits on their way to a 9-3 win. Coach Kenny Swartwout was unhappy with the results, but understood it was the first game action the team has seen in months.
“This past weekend was disappointing,” Swartwout said. “We made a lot of mistake since it was our first time on the field in several months and it showed.”
Swartwout went on to say that George Fox was a good program, and he liked how Oregon played with the bigger Bruins.
“We played a good squad on Saturday and hung in there with them,” Swartwout said. “We probably should have managed a split even with all of the mistakes.”
Even with the disappointing showing, Swartwout was very positive about the direction the team is heading.
“The games showed how far this program has come as far as the talent on the field is concerned. We played about as poorly as we could and still had a chance to win against a good program,” Swartwout said. “They should serve as motivation for us to get better at the little things that win close games.”
Outfielder Cam Gaulke went a combined 3-for-7 in the games, with one run scored. Helping out was infielder Bryan Hansen, who had a team-high four hits, including two doubles. As a team, the Ducks batted .302 but struck out 12 times in two games.
The Ducks didn’t fare as well on the mound.
In game one, Bennett Frazier worked four innings, giving up five hits and two runs. David Tinsley followed, going two innings with three hits and three runs. Hansen started game two and lasted four innings, giving up 10 hits and five runs, striking out one. Evan Coller, in an inning of relief, gave up four hits and four runs. As a team, Oregon had a combined earned run average of 8.25, and they walked three more batters than they struck out.
“There were some really solid individual efforts but (again) we just didn’t play sharp.” Swartwout said.
The Ducks look to get back on track this Thursday when they play Wenatchee Valley College at Sheldon High School, starting at 6 p.m. This weekend they travel north to Evergreen, Wash. for a three-game series with conference opponent Evergreen State College beginning on Saturday.