AUSTIN – Oregon Ducks coach Mark Wasikowski expressed disappointment with his team’s performance following Game 1 of the Austin Super Regional on Saturday night.
The Ducks lost 11-3, failing to play the brand of baseball that helped them place second at the Big Ten tournament and sweep the Eugene Regional.
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“I’m disappointed in the fact that that’s what we brought to the Austin Super Regional in the first game,” Wasikowski said. “I think we’re a whole lot better than what we showed tonight.”
Wasikowski said he felt his team shot itself in the foot by stranding 17 runners on base and not receiving the pitching expected from starter Cal Scolari, who walked six batters and allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings.
That collective performance was somewhat fluky, raising the team’s hopes that it will play better in Sunday’s Game 2 at 6 p.m. to extend the series.
The Ducks will start Will Sanford (9-2, 3.46 ERA), known for his inspirational competitive intensity.
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The Ducks will also have relievers Tanner Bradley (5-1, 1.76 ERA), Devin Bell (12 saves, 3.75 ERA) and Toby Twist (4-0, 3.83 ERA) at full strength after they did not pitch on Saturday.
Texas will start Ruger Riojas (5-2, 3.86 ERA) after using its No. 2 starter, Luke Harrison (6-3, 4.36 ERA), in relief on Saturday when the Ducks loaded the bases in the sixth inning down 7-2.
Texas coach Jim Schlossnagle’s move to use Harrison didn’t surprise Wasikowski.
“Jim is going to do whatever he has to do to win a game,” Wasikowski said. “He’s going to pitch anybody he possibly can if he feels it’s going to win a game to get him to the College World Series.”
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Texas can punch its ticket to Omaha with a win. Oregon needs to win two consecutive games to reach the CWS for the first time since 1954.
. . .
Oregon Ducks (42-17) at Texas Longhorns (44-13)
When: 6 p.m., Sunday.
Where: UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Austin.
Capacity: Saw a record crowd of 8,550 for Game 1.
TV channel: ESPN
Live stream: ESPN Unlimited
Radio: 105.1 FM The Fan; 1080 AM The Fan (KFXX); Oregon Sports Network
What are the best deals to watch the Oregon Ducks vs. Texas Longhorns Super Regionals game tonight?
You can sign up for ESPN Unlimited for $129.99 annually. You will get all of the ESPN networks and channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN+, ESPN on ABC, SEC Network+, ACC Network Now, and ESPN3.
Another great option might be to get a Sling Blue with Orangesubscription, or check out the plethora of other subscription offers Sling has, including Day Passes.
If you already have cable, you can also watch this game live on Watch ESPN with your cable or satellite provider login information.
Starting pitchers:
Oregon RHP Will Sanford (9-2, 3.46 ERA) vs. Texas RHP Ruger Riojas (5-2, 3.86 ERA).
Oregon’s projected lineup
1. Ryan Cooney, 2B (.329)
2. Angel Laya, RF (.298)
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3. Drew Smith, 3B (.333)
4. Brayden Jaksa, 1B (.318)
5. Burke-Lee Mabeus, C (.292)
6. Naulivou Lauaki, DH (.323)
7. Maddox Molony, SS (.231)
8. Jax Gimenez, LF (.288)
9. Jack Brooks, CF (.236)
Texas’ projected lineup
1. Aiden Robbins, CF .344
2. Carson Tinney, C .325
3. Anthony Pack Jr., LF .361
4. Temo Becerra, 2B .321
5.Adrian Rodriguez, SS .304
6. Ethan Mendoza, DH .270
7. Ashton Larson, 1B .281
8. Casey Borba, 3B .274
9. Dariyan Pendergrass, CF .250
Super Regional schedule
Game 1: Texas 11, Oregon 3
Game 2: 6 p.m. Sunday
Game 3: Monday (if necessary), time TBD.
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