In a lull heading into the final stretch of its Friday game against Washington State, the Oregon baseball bats finally showed up in a big way in the eighth inning to pull out an 8-4 win at PK Park to clinch its eighth conference series win.
The Ducks (36-16, 18-11 Pac-12) scored just one run through the first seven innings on WSU starter Connor Wilford before erupting for seven runs in the eighth.
Junior 3-hole hitter Jacob Walsh got the scoring started with a 2-RBI double after a pair of walks that brought WSU’s lead down to one, before true freshman shortstop Maddox Molony hit the go-ahead single that brought two more runs across three at-bats later.
To cap a dominant inning, Bryce Boettcher launched a three-run blast over the fence to give the Ducks an 8-4 lead, and reliever Logan Mercado slammed the door in the top of the ninth to secure the win.
Known for his timely hits throughout the season, and his down-to-earth demeanor, Molony’s teammates were not surprised at his heroics, along with Walsh and Boettcher.
“He’s got ice in his veins,” Boettcher said. “It really comes down to what he does in practice and off the field. He’s probably one of the most consistent guys I’ve seen with their work and what they do off the field … it’s not a surprise when that happens.”
The win means the Ducks will finish the Pac-12 season having gone 8-2 across 10 series, with just two series losses to Oregon State and Stanford.
A win tomorrow against the Cougars would be their first conference sweep, which has eluded them to this point in the season despite their success. Friday's win means the Ducks can't dip below No. 3 in the conference standings for next week's Pac-12 Tournament, but another win Saturday could put Oregon into second if the Beavers sweep Arizona.
“We might need to sacrifice a live chicken somewhere or a live rooster,” Oregon coach Mark Wasikowski said. “We need to do something to where we can hopefully get this done tomorrow. On a serious note, we’re going to stay consistent and prepare them. If they show the same determination and grit, then I like our chances.”
Grayson Grinsell dazzles in starting role
After mostly working out of the bullpen in his freshman season a year ago, sophomore Grayson Grinsell has moved into a full-time starting role as the middle game guy this spring and has been rock solid with a 6-2 record.
Friday night against Washington State, Grinsell’s improvement with his command and ability to produce outs shined once again.
Grinsell struck out 11 batters, a career-high, and allowed just two hits with two walks for two earned runs. After hitting the first batter he faced, Grinsell settled in and mowed down the Cougar batters until a solo homer in the fifth and another run in the sixth. His six innings Friday matched a career-high he set against Cal earlier this year.
“He just continues to improve,” Wasikowski said. “He’s a really good pitcher and a great kid and his competitiveness is what puts him over the top.”
The Ducks will go for their first conference series sweep of the season in their regular season finale at 12:05 p.m. Saturday at PK Park.
Alec Dietz covers University of Oregon football, volleyball, women’s basketball and baseball for The Register-Guard. You may reach him at adietz@registerguard.com and you can follow him on X @AlecDietz.
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