STANFORD, Calif. – No. 3 Stanford lost the series opener to Oregon by a score of 10-1 on Thursday night at Sunken Diamond.
"This was just one of those nights where nothing was going for us in all phases of the game, and that'll happen," said Clarke and Elizabeth Nelson Director of Baseball David Esquer. "We're going to have to get used to welcoming everyone's shot, and this just shows you the quality of teams we have in the Pac-12."
The Cardinal (18-3 overall, 3-1 Pac-12) picked up a consolation run in the bottom of the eighth inning, courtesy of Tim Tawa. Tawa roped a double into the right-field gap, scoring Jesse Kuet from first to make it 9-1 before Oregon tacked on an insurance run in the top of the ninth. The freshman finished 2-for-4, accounting for half of Stanford's hits.
B8 | A look at @TJ2Tawa11's 19th RBI of the season, which ties Andrew Daschbach for the team lead.
— Stanford Baseball (@StanfordBSB) March 30, 2018
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The Ducks (15-9, 3-4) started with runs in the second and third innings before a four spot in the fourth, making it 6-0. Starting pitcher Tristan Beck lasted four innings before Daniel Bakst replaced him to start the fifth. Beck went 4.0 innings, allowing five earned runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and one walk.
Bakst pitched scoreless fifth and sixth innings, striking out two while allowing two hits and one walk. John Henry Styles and Carson Rudd combined to pitch the seventh, allowing three more Oregon runs.
Stanford returns to action tomorrow for Game 2 against Oregon. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. PT with Kris Bubic (4-0) expected to start for the Cardinal and Matt Mercer (3-1) to throw for the Ducks. Live streaming and statistics will be available at GoStanford.com.
Cardinal Notes
- Stanford's seven game win streak snapped – the Cardinal's last loss was an 8-6 decision at Texas on March 8.
- Brandon Wulff's reached base streak of 20 games ended.
- Maverick Handley threw out 2-of-3 stolen base attempts by Oregon.