The Oregon Ducks (12-20 overall, 2-7 Pacific-10 Conference) were swept by the USC Trojans (17-14, 7-5) in a three-game baseball series this weekend, extending their losing streak to four games, and six of their last seven games.
Oregon had a chance in game one of the series in Los Angeles on Thursday night, but lost 3-2 on a game-winning home run by first baseman Ricky Oropesa in the bottom of the ninth inning off of junior reliever Ryan Fleckenstein.
Their troubles continued with a 10-3 blowout on Friday night, when Duck relievers gave up eight runs in the last two innings to blow a 3-2 lead.
Junior Bennett Whitmore was credited with the loss in game two, going 2.1 innings in relief of starter Erik Stavert. Whitmore (1-5) gave up four runs on one hit, including three walks.
Junior left fielder Curtis Raulinaitis led the Ducks from the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double, and a run scored.
Saturday saw Oregon again give up major runs late in the game, this time eight runs over the last three innings to break a 1-1 tie in the 9-1 loss.
Freshman Alex Keudell (0-1) got the loss, going six innings and giving up five runs on six hits. Sophomore reliever Drew Gagnier gave up three runs in one inning for the other three runs.
Senior center fielder Caleb Tommasini was 2-for-4, earning two of Oregon’s five hits.
Next up for Oregon is a single game against the Portland Pilots on Tuesday at PK Park. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m.
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