In addition to dropping two-straight games to Oregon State in the Civil War conference series, the Oregon baseball team also lost their once-realistic hopes of clinching the Pac-12 title.
The Ducks are tied with UCLA for second place in the Pac-12 with four games left and are a full two games behind Oregon State. The Ducks have an opportunity to go 3-2 on the series against Oregon State with a win in Corvallis Tuesday, but two of those games are considered non-conference matchups. At this point, the Beavers control their destiny, and the only team that can knock them off the top seat is Washington State, who plays them in a three-game series this weekend.
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What was devastating to one team was also great for another. As the Beavers crushed the Ducks in two-straight games, pitcher and Eugene native Andrew Moore was named the Pac-12 pitcher of the week for the first time in his young career.
Moore was dominant in the Beavers’ two-hit shutout win this past Saturday and now holds a Pac-12 high 11 wins this season. As a freshman, Moore boasts an impressive 1.34 era, 1.58 in conference play, as well as recording two shutouts.
Moore, who was heavily recruited by George Horton, has quickly become a key piece to the Beavers’ success and holds as a prime example of why the Ducks can’t afford to lose local recruits to the Beavers.
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Coach Frank Vogel of the Indiana Pacers recently joined the realm of NBA drama as he denied LeBron James’ claim that Vogel considered the Miami Heat to be “just another team.” Vogel went on to say that he is “looking forward to a great series” as his Pacers look to upset the almighty Heat.
The Pacers hold the regular season series against the Heat this year, and though they fell to the Heat in the Eastern Conference semis last season, the Pacers may have the best chance to knock off the defending NBA champions. Game one between the Pacers and Heat will be held this Wednesday in Miami.