Ducks Host Pilots in Top-25 Showdown Tuesday

EUGENE, Ore. (Interstat) — Two of the nation’s hottest teams collide Tuesday when the Oregon Ducks host the Portland Pilots in a nonconference baseball matchup at PK Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. PDT on March 31.

Oregon (23-5) enters riding high after taking two of three on the road at UC Santa Barbara, including a 2-0 shutout victory Sunday. The Ducks’ pitching staff has been a strength, boasting a team ERA of 3.12.

Portland (17-8) arrives having won three of its last four, including a 6-1 win over Saint Mary’s on Sunday. The Pilots’ offense averages 7.2 runs per game.

The marquee matchup features two standout starting pitchers. Portland will send right-hander William Labonte (4-0, 2.45 ERA) to the mound. The senior is coming off a dominant performance, allowing one earned run over six innings with five strikeouts against Saint Mary’s. He has won each of his last four starts.

Oregon will counter with right-hander Cal Scolari (3-1, 3.38 ERA). Scolari was brilliant in his last outing, throwing six hitless innings with nine strikeouts in the win over UC Santa Barbara on March 29. His season has been marked by high strikeout totals, fanning 23 batters over his last 14 innings.

Key bats to watch include Portland designated hitter Gage Bruce, who drove in three runs Sunday, and third baseman Cole Katayama-Stall, who homered in the same game. Oregon’s bullpen has been exceptional, with Tanner Bradley and Devin Bell combining for three perfect innings of relief to secure Sunday’s win.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects to be a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final score of Oregon 7, Portland 6.

This game is the first of a home-and-home series between the in-state programs. The Ducks will travel to Portland for a rematch on April 8.

Following Tuesday’s game, Portland begins a three-game series at Seattle on Thursday. Oregon opens a three-game road series at Michigan on Friday.