A Late Surge Falls Short in Austin
The Oregon Ducks entered the NCAA Austin Super Regional facing a 4‑0 hole, but a rally sparked by timely hitting kept them within striking distance. Texas, however, answered with a two‑run double in the eighth inning that sealed a 6‑5 victory and secured the Longhorns’ spot in the College World Series.
Oregon’s comeback was anchored by a flurry of extra‑base hits. Ryan Cooney and Drew Smith each recorded their 23rd multi‑hit game of the season, while Brayden Jaksa drove in multiple runs for the tenth time that year. The Ducks chipped away at the deficit, turning a 4‑0 hole into a one‑run game.
Drew Smith’s final appearance added a historic note to the Ducks’ season. He finished among the program’s top ten in several career categories, including multi‑RBI games, hits, home runs and runs, underscoring his impact over the campaign.
Relief pitcher Tanner Bradley also contributed, working multiple scoreless innings and marking his 15th appearance of the season without allowing a run. Their efforts kept the game competitive deep into the evening.
Despite the late push, the Ducks fell short of the College World Series for the first time since 1954, ending a season that had promised a return to the national stage. The loss highlights both the resilience shown and the narrow margins that define postseason baseball.