Oregon Ducks Miss Key Opportunities, Lose At Arizona

Megan Kleist took the loss after the Oregon Ducks Offense could not get going against Arizona.

The Oregon Ducks Softball team has been struggling of late. Offensively they have lost their rhythm that got them to a 35-0 start, tying the NCAA Record to begin a season. Friday night the team opened a critical three-game series against Arizona on the road.

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It did not go well. Miscues and missed opportunities led to a 2-0 loss. The Oregon Ducks did have several chances. Starter Megan Kleist gave up an early first inning run. Opposing Pitcher Danielle O’Toole did not record many strikeouts, but her timing was enough to throw off Oregon batters for most of the night. She gave up five hits and struck out three Oregon Ducks.

The sibling rivalry between Danica Mercado and her sister Mo Mercado went in the Ducks favor as Danica Mercado had a double but ultimately lost the game. Mo Mercado was 0 for 3. The Oregon Ducks had opportunities, their biggest in the sixth inning.

Mia Camuso made a mistake going from first to third and was thrown out, leading to the second out of the inning. Several Oregon Ducks were thrown out at home to secure the win for Arizona. Oregon had a runner on again in the 7th with a chance to tie the game, but Maddie Bishop popped out to end the game.

Close games are always hard when you’re in a funk. The Ducks need to get out to a better start on Saturday and Sunday to take the series. Game two is set for 2pm Saturday(ESPN2) with the series finale on Sunday at Noon(ESPN2).

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If you are in the Eugene/Springfield area both games can be heard locally on 88.1 FM KWVA.