Preview: Oregon Ducks at Portland Pilots

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — A hot Oregon pitching staff meets a Portland team riding its own dominant arms as in-state rivals clash Wednesday at Joe Etzel Field.

The Ducks (24-8), ranked nationally, look to avenge a 3-0 shutout loss to the Pilots just over a week ago. Oregon enters having won five of its last seven, though it dropped a tight 4-3 series finale at Michigan on Saturday. The Pilots (19-10) are coming off a 3-0 win at Seattle where their pitching was flawless.

The spotlight will be on the mound. Oregon’s player to watch is right-hander Cal Scolari, who has been nearly untouchable in two of his last three outings. On March 29 at UC Santa Barbara, he fired six no-hit innings with nine strikeouts. Last time out on April 4, he provided four hitless innings of relief at Michigan, allowing two earned runs. Sandwiched between was a rougher start against Northwestern. His role for Wednesday is undecided.

Portland will counter with its own ace, William Labonte. The right-hander is on a tear, winning his last four starts. He tossed six no-hit innings with six strikeouts in the Pilots’ 3-0 win over Seattle on April 4. In his last 22.2 innings pitched, he has allowed just seven hits.

The teams met on March 31 in Eugene, where Portland’s pitchers combined on a five-hit shutout. The Pilots’ 3-0 victory that day gives them a mental edge in the quick home-and-home set.

Weather should not be a major factor, with first-pitch temperatures expected around 58 degrees under cloudy skies.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring affair, favoring Portland 6-5.

Following this midweek clash, both teams dive into conference play. Oregon hosts Nebraska for a three-game series starting Friday, while Portland travels to face Gonzaga in a West Coast Conference series also beginning Friday.