Ducks drop decision at Cal State Fullerton

FULLERTON, Calif. – Ryon Healy had two hits for the second consecutive game but it wasn’t enough as Oregon couldn’t overcome a three-run first inning by Cal State Fullerton in a 5-2 Titan win at Goodwin Field on Saturday night.

Oregon finished with seven hits, one more than Fullerton, but the Titans infield robbed the Ducks of two more hits that cost Oregon (7-3) at least one run.

The Titans took the early lead with three runs in the first off Tommy Thorpe. Michael Lorenzen delivered the big blow, a two-out, three-run homer high off the left field foul pole. Lorenzen’s home run was his second of the season and the first given up by a Ducks’ pitcher this season that left the ball park (CSF did hit an inside-the-park home run on Friday).

Oregon got a pair back in the top of the sixth. Ryan Garlick, who was struggling coming into the game with just two hits in 24 at bats, ripped a two-out, two-run triple to right center that scored Scott Heineman and Healy.

The Ducks nearly tied it but the next hitter, Ryan Hambright was robbed of a hit by Fullerton second baseman Jake Jefferies on a diving play up the middle.

Cal State Fullerton (10-0) took the momentum back from the Ducks in the bottom of the inning scoring two runs while chasing Thorpe. The Oregon starter allowed a leadoff double to Lorenzen, before hitting the next hitter to put runners on first and second.

Oregon went to Jeff Gold in the bullpen after a sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third. Gold allowed a sacrifice fly by Jared Deacon, the first hitter he faced, and a run scoring triple by Austin Diemer before getting out of the inning with the Ducks trailing 5-2.

Thorpe (2-1) took the loss allowing five runs on four hits in 5.1 innings pitched. The Ducks’ sophomore matched his career high with six strikeouts.

Justin Garza (3-0) got the win for the Titans allowing two runs on six hits in eight innings. Lorenzen picked up the save, his third.

Oregon and Cal State Fullerton wrap up the three-game series tomorrow at 12 p.m.

Official Box Score