Despite taking two out of three games over the weekend from visiting St. Mary’s, Oregon coach George Horton was not pleased with his team’s offensive output.
Sure, the frigid weather might have played a part in the No. 15 Ducks’ offensive struggles, but scoring only eight runs over three games was unacceptable to Horton and his team.
“I’m totally dissatisfied with the way we’re swinging the bats, and I’m speaking for my team, too. They’re not satisfied either,” Horton said after Oregon’s 3-2 win over St. Mary’s on Sunday.
Fortunately for the Ducks, however, they’ll get a big boost to their lineup when they take on the University of Portland this afternoon at 5 p.m. at PK Park.
Shortstop K.C. Serna, who was suspended for the first seven games of the season for a violation of team rules, will be reinstated. Horton hopes the returning All Pacific-10 Conference player can provide a boost to the offense.
“Serna’s suspension ended (Sunday) and he’ll be back playing Tuesday,” Horton said. “He’s certainly a dynamic offensive player and could create a bit of a spark for us.”
Serna and Co. will play a Portland team that won all four games it played this season. The Pilots swept Middle Tennessee State before beating George Fox University on Sunday. Portland’s offense is paced by leading returning hitter Beau Fraser (who hit .316 last year) and has picked back up with a .333 mark this season to go along with one home run. Senior second baseman Riley Henricks (.302 last season) is batting .538 with one home run this year.
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