A Tough Night in Eugene
The Yale Bulldogs entered the first round of the NCAA regional tournament in Oregon expecting to extend a 30‑win season, but a 14‑2 defeat at the hands of the Ducks sent them to the losers’ bracket. The Bulldogs managed just nine hits while Oregon piled up 18, and a late eight‑run inning sealed the outcome.
Yale left 13 runners on base, including 12 in the first six innings, a stark illustration of the team’s inability to convert opportunities into runs. Starting pitcher Toby Twist kept the Ducks at bay for four innings, but the bullpen could not hold the lead as Oregon’s lineup erupted.
The Bulldogs will now meet Oregon State in an elimination game on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., a contest that will be streamed live on ESPN+. The stakes are high, with both teams looking to stay alive in the double‑elimination format.
Oregon’s offense was led by Naulivou Lauaki, whose three‑run homer in the eighth inning capped a rally that produced eight runs on eight hits. Drew Smith and Angel Laya each collected four hits, underscoring the depth of the Ducks’ attack.
Brady Ruiz‑Weiss contributed two hits, including a two‑run homer, while Jack Ohman was removed in the fifth after a tough outing. The performance highlighted both the promise and the challenges that lie ahead for Yale’s young roster.