Championship Clash Looms
Oregon’s baseball team surged to the Big Ten Tournament championship game on Thursday, rolling past No. 20 Nebraska 8‑0 in a performance that left little doubt about the Ducks’ depth and pitching prowess.
At the heart of the victory was senior left‑hander Will Sanford, who delivered a masterful six‑inning outing, surrendering just two hits while fanning nine batters. The effort also marked Sanford’s 100th strikeout of the season, joining an exclusive club of Oregon pitchers to reach the milestone.
The offense clicked early when leadoff man Ryan Cooney doubled and later scored on a ground‑out by Drew Smith. In the fourth and fifth innings, solo homers from Maddox Molony and Angel Laya stretched the lead, while a two‑run triple by Drew Smith and a subsequent blast by Brayden Jaksa capped a four‑run seventh that sealed the win.
With the final spot now secured, Oregon will meet top‑seeded UCLA at 12 p.m. PT on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field. The championship promises a clash of the nation’s elite programs, and the Ducks enter with momentum, confidence, and a roster brimming with talent.
Coach and teammates alike praised the collective effort, noting contributions from the entire squad, including Cal Scolari, Elijah Cook, Naulivou Lauaki Jr., David Petrson, Tyler Andderson, Ryne Nelson, and Grayson Grinsell, who all played pivotal roles throughout the game.