Thanks to some ninth-inning heroics from Taylor Travess, the Oregon Ducks stole a 3-2 win over the USC Trojans on Sunday in Los Angeles, California.
The drama unfolded in the top of the ninth inning, with the score even at two. Travess, who led the inning off with a bunt single, made it to third with two outs. USC pitcher Austin Manning, a left-hander, came set to deliver a 2-2 pitch to Jake Bennett. But before he could begin his motion, Travess broke for home and made it safely to score the go-ahead run for the Ducks.
Travess also went two-for-four on the day.
Video | Travess steals home to give Ducks 3-2 lead in 9th. #GoDucks #SCTop10 https://t.co/YR0T0XyAg8
— Oregon Duck Baseball (@OregonBaseball) May 21, 2017
Oregon closer Kenyon Yovan took care of business to record his 14th save of the season. Setup man Brac Warren got the win. Oregon starter Cole Stringer allowed five hits and two runs (both earned) while striking out three in his five innings of work.
The win secured the first series victory for the Ducks since it took two games from Arizona State back in late April.
It wasn’t easy, though, as Oregon found itself trailing early. A two-run home run from USC’s Adalberto Carrillo in the second inning gave the Trojans a 2-0 lead. USC held the lead until the fifth inning when Oregon scored two of its own runs courtesy of a Kyle Kasser RBI single and a Gabe Matthews sacrifice fly.
The score would remain tied until Travess’ steal in the ninth.
Oregon will wrap up its regular season next weekend when it welcomes UCLA to PK Park. But first, the Ducks head to UC Riverside for one game against the Highlanders on Monday.
Follow Gus Morris on Twitter @JustGusMorris
