First pitch for Game 1 of the Oregon vs. Nebraska Super Regional is set for 5 PM PT today. Chris Brooklier, Alex King and Jonathan Style provide analysis and predictions for this weekend’s series at Howe Field.
Despite sweeping regionals last weekend, the Ducks high powered offense only scored 11 runs in 3 games. Do you think this is simply a slump or rather a pattern that will continue into the Nebraska super regional? Why?
CB: The Ducks should not be worried about their perceived lack of production in the regionals. While Oregon only scored 11 runs last weekend, they hit three home runs. Once the Ducks get runners on base and combine that with their power, they’ll find more success.
AK: Nebraska has an impressive record of 40-5 when their opponent scores less than four runs in a game. Because the Ducks struggled to score more than 3 runs against both North Carolina and Wisconsin in last weekend’s regional tournament, Oregon is at risk of being handed a loss unless their bats can heat up. Fortunately for the Ducks, they have several players such as Peterson, Pappas, and Lindvall who all homered last weekend and should bring plenty of power to the lineup for this weekend’s super regional series.
JS: I think it was just an off weekend for the Ducks hitters. All season they’ve found a way to get their bats going whether it be early or late in the game. So I think what we saw in the regionals was a slump, but even if Oregon struggles to get some runs this weekend they have enough pitching in order to get the job done.
What about Nebraska do you think will give Oregon trouble?
CB: The Huskers pitching will give the Ducks the most trouble. Nebraska features Big 10 pitcher of the year Tatum Edwards and freshman stud Emily Lockman. Edwards was 29-8, with 28 complete games, and a 1.83 era.
AK: Nebraska is known to be a “streak snapping” team. Where Oregon’s greatest concern should lie is with the latest streak this Huskers team has snapped. Prior to their victory against No. 13 Stanford, the Nebraska was on a seven-game NCAA Tournament losing streak against Pac-12 teams. The next streak the Huskers will be looking to snap is their 10-game road losing streak to Pac-12 opponents. Nebraska would be thrilled to hand the No. 3 ranked Ducks their first home loss of the season.
JS: The Nebraska pitching will give the Ducks the most trouble this weekend. Nebraska’s Tatum Edwards was the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and their number two pitcher Emily Lockman is no slouch either. The Ducks showed last weekend that they struggled a little bit versus Big Ten pitching and I think the Cornhuskers staff will pose the biggest threat to stopping the Ducks return to the Women’s College World Series.
Who will win this series, in how many games, and why?
CB: The Ducks will sweep this series because while the Huskers have a talented pitching staff, the Ducks have just that much more talent offensively. Jess Moore will also keep her hot streak as the Ducks ace and limit the Huskers offense.
AK: The Ducks will win this series in three games. Oregon handed Nebraska a tough loss back on February 23rd in a run-rule victory. Only four teams have beaten Nebraska by more than 3 runs and when given a second chance at those opponents that had beaten them, Nebraska has proven nothing is sweeter than revenge. After losing to No. 1 Oklahoma, Nebraska bounced back to beat the Sooners in a 1-0 victory snapping their 17- game winning streak. If someone can break the home winning streak of the Ducks it will be the Huskers.
JS: I think when it’s all said and done the Ducks will be returning to Oklahoma City. They just have too much pitching and I don’t think Nebraska will be able to handle the stuff that Jessica Moore and Cheridan Hawkins have. I think the Ducks win in two but both games will be low scoring affairs.
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