Don’t try to convince Oregon pitcher Madison Boer that Eugene’s recent stretch of inclement weather is anything close to “cold.”
The reigning Pacific-10 Conference pitcher of the week and Midwest native has grown accustomed to sub-freezing temperatures over the years.
“I’m from Minnesota; it’s not that cold out (in Eugene),” Boer said. “Everybody was complaining that class should be canceled today, and I was just shaking my head.”
While Boer, who pitched eight shutout innings in Oregon’s first win of the season last weekend, might not be fazed by a bit of snow or ice, the bad weather could present several issues for both Oregon and St. Mary’s in the Ducks’ home opener tonight.
“One of the issues is making a decision whether we need to get snow off (the field) so it doesn’t freeze and turn into a big chunk of ice,” Oregon coach George Horton said. “Our grounds and maintenance staff were out there when I left, and they were going to try to get some of it off.”
While the weather forecast calls for relatively clear skies tonight, it will certainly be cold, at least by West Coast standards. The low temperatures will force Horton and the umpiring crew to exercise caution to ensure players avoid injury.
“We’ll try to keep (the pitchers) warm in between innings, and the umpires usually allow them a few more warm-ups for the sake of safety,” Horton said.
Even in the absence of optimal baseball conditions, the Ducks are excited for the home opener to finally arrive.
“To a man we’re all anxious to play in front of our own (fans) at PK Park and build on what we established at the end of last weekend,” Horton said.
Last weekend, Oregon (2-2) began the season with a split at Hawaii. After losing the first two games in dramatic fashion (the Rainbows mounted late rallies in both games), the Ducks bounced back with consecutive wins to end the series.
“When we started 0-2 with two tough losses all we could do at that point was bounce back and win the last two games, so I’m very proud of my group,” Horton said.
St. Mary’s (1-2), Oregon’s non-conference opponent, also opened its season last weekend. The Gales dropped two games to San Jose State before bouncing back with a one-run win over Sacramento State.
“They had a rough weekend,” Horton said. “They didn’t score many runs and they’re scuffling offensively. I hope that continues through this weekend. I know they’re well-coached, and I think they pitch and play defense (well).”
To try and gain an edge, Oregon plans to make a slight change in its pitching rotation from the Hawaii series.
Boer (Saturday) and Christian Jones (Sunday) will switch places in the rotation so that Oregon can alternate between left-handed and right-handed starting pitchers.
“(Pitching coach Andrew) Checketts changed that basically so we get a left-right-left look,” Horton said.
Serna still out
Shortstop KC Serna, who was suspended before the start of the season for a violation of team rules, will miss the St. Mary’s series. However, Horton indicated the star junior may return to game action soon.
“He’s going to be suspended through the weekend; then we’ll look at it at the end of the weekend and make a decision,” Horton said. “It’s possible that he might be activated as early as Tuesday against Portland. He’s done everything that we’ve asked him, and we’re very proud of him and anxious to get him back.”
[email protected]