Oregon Ducks Have A Lot On The Line At Arizona

Nikki Udria and the Oregon Ducks will look to get back on Offensive track this weekend against Arizona.

The Oregon Ducks Softball team is looking to right the ship. After a stellar 35-0 start to the season, the team has lost back to back Pac-12 series for the first time since 2012. Mike White is now looking up at Arizona at the top of the Pac-12 Standings and would like nothing more than to get some of those games back.

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It could happen this weekend. There are plenty of storylines entering the trip to Arizona. From the Oregon Pitching staff falling apart to their bats going cold, both need to be fixed in a hurry as the team makes a push toward the postseason and the NCAA Tournament.

Both Arizona and Oregon come in having lost their most recent series. The Wildcats lost two of three last weekend against Utah and stand at 13-2 in Pac-12 play. Mo Mercado leads Arizona in batting at .425. The team boasts seven hitters at better than .300 on the season. If Mercado’s last name is familiar, there is a reason for it. Her sister Danica plays for the Oregon Ducks.

In the circle, the Oregon Ducks remain dominant, despite the mistakes of the past few weeks. Maggie Balint, recently named a finalist for the NFCA National Freshman of the Year. She is 16-2 with a 0.86 ERA. Balint leads the staff with 123 strikeouts on the year and will likely see two starts this weekend at Arizona.

The Oregon Offense was paced by Nikki Udria who had a 3 for 3 day against Washington last Sunday. Unfortunately, her teammates could not hit the ball. She enters the series hitting .434 with Alexis Mack and Danica Mercado right behind.

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The Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats begin their three-game series on Friday at 5pm Pacific Time. on Pac-12 Network. Saturday(2pm PT) and Sunday(Noon) are on ESPN2. All three games will be broadcast on Eugene area radio station 88.1 KWVA FM.