Ducks Dominate Big Ten Honors
The Oregon Ducks baseball squad capped a remarkable regular season with a 38-15 overall record and a 20-10 mark inside the Big Ten, earning the No. 3 seed for the upcoming conference tournament.
The team’s success was reflected in the conference’s postseason awards, where nine Ducks earned spots on the All-Big Ten teams, underscoring the depth of talent under head coach Mark Wasikowski.
Senior third baseman Drew Smith stood out, collecting both All-Big Ten First Team honors and a place on the All-Defensive Team, a testament to his all-around impact.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Tanner Bradley also earned First Team recognition after posting a 5-1 record and a 1.83 earned run average, while junior infielder Ryan Cooney, senior pitcher Devin Bell and sophomore pitcher Will Sanford were placed on the All-Big Ten Second Team.
Freshman utility player Naulivou Lauaki Jr. was the lone Duck rewarded on the All-Big Ten Third Team, and he was joined on the Freshman Team by right fielder Angel Laya and first baseman Brayden Jaksa.
Utility player Jack Brooks was among the 17 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award recipients, highlighting the program’s emphasis on character as well as competition.
Junior utility player Burke-Lee Mabeus earned a spot among the 16 semifinalists for the Buster Posey Award, which honors college baseball’s best catcher.
Looking Ahead to the Tournament
The Ducks will open Big Ten Tournament play on Friday, May 22, on the Big Ten Network at 7 p.m. PT, with DraftKings listing Oregon at +500 odds to win the event.
Oregon’s current Rating Percentage Index sits at No. 16 nationally, bolstered by series victories over the USC Trojans, Nebraska Cornhuskers and a win over the UCLA Bruins.