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Baseball and Softball Preview | 2017

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DuckSeason, the Emerald’s annual softball and magazine, is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit news company at the University of Oregon. Formerly the Oregon , the news organization was founded in 1900.

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8-9 15 DESIGN Second-year EMILY HARRIS A new 12-13 KELLY KONDO strategy Former UO Heat EMILY HAMREN 6-7 LAYHA PITTS New Duck recruits Alexis Mack 10-11 moving up ON THE COVER LAUREN LINDVALL LEADS OFF TO STEAL ON 3 friends MARCH 25, 2016. reunited PHOTO TAKEN BY SAMUEL MARSHALL Contents

2 | EMG Magazine EMG Magazine | 3 Find everything you’ll need for this season at any of our campus Duck Store locations!

Eugene • Portland • Bend • UODuckStore.com Find everything you’ll need for this season at any of our campus Duck Store locations!

Eugene • Portland • Bend • UODuckStore.com fitting in seamlessly with Oregon softball

Shawn Medow

Alexis Mack runs to first base against the Pacific Tigers on March 11, 2017. (Amanda Shigeoka)

6 | EMG Magazine EMG Magazine | 7 Alexis Mack is really after Mack. The two have fast. She’s fast not just at packed a powerful one-two base running, but at fitting punch in the batter’s box in with Oregon softball for Oregon. fitting in seamlessly since transferring in from “I think that me and Mack South Carolina. work really well together,” with Oregon softball The only transfer on Mercado said. “Me and her the Ducks’ roster, Mack is are like coaches to each making an instant impact. other. We help each other She already established a lot.” herself as the lead-off batter With Oregon’s change in for No. 4-ranked Oregon style from home-run hitting and currently leads the to a small-ball approach, team in hitting with a .509 speed is of the essence for batting average. the Ducks. “It was immediate,” Mack “Mack’s helped us out a said about getting used to lot,” junior Lauren Lindvall her new team. “I can’t really said. “I’m really glad she’s say the same about other here because she’s a light on teams I’ve played on, but it this team — doing the small was immediate. I felt really, ball and just trying to move really welcomed, which runners and get them on, get was awesome.” them over and get them in.” Having played previously Mack played a key role with Ducks Jenna Lilley and in Oregon’s tough test at Miranda Elish, the transition the Missouri Invitational, Find Your Home has been smooth for Mack where the Ducks beat then- as her new teammates No. 24 Missouri twice over embraced her. the weekend tournament. with Bell-Realty! “They push me every day Oregon has begun the season to get better, and I always with 21-straight wins, its best All Units Include Water, Sewer, felt like I was trying to catch start in program history. up and be as good as them,” “I think we’ve been able Garbage, Cable & Internet! Mack said. to expand her game,” White In the leadoff role, Mack said. “She has the speed, but PIPER APARTMENTS ROYAL TERRACE 1866/1870 ONYX has the task of getting on we’ve had to expand her 550 E.15th Ave 625 E.16th Ave Studio’s & 2 bedroom base early to give Oregon’s by giving her a few more 2 & 3 bedrooms 1 & 2 bedrooms townhomes • Patio’s or balconies in most • Patio’s or decks • NearRENTED next batters the chance to options ... she’ll be able to • Secure building • On-site laundry • On-site laundry • Washer & driers in units • Limited parking $30.00/mo • Limited parking $30.00/mo drive her home. With her swing away and work on • Limited parking $30.00/mo quick pace, she gets the types of bunts.” MYRTLEWOOD 1585 FERRY ALLEY HAYS APARTMENTS APARTMENTS 2 bedroom townhomes job done early and often, 460 E. 14th Ave 1437 High St •Washer & driers in unit Mack walks with swagger Newer Complex! 1 & 2 bedroom units •OffRENTED street parking whether by hits or walks. • 2 & 3 bedrooms • Townhome and loft styles as her conveniently named • Patios & Decks • On-site laundry 1591 HIGH/341 “Alexis Mack has made a walk-up song “Return of the • On-site laundry • Off Street parking E.16TH AVE. • Limited parking $30.00/mo 1, 2 and 4 bedroom units. big spark at the top of the Mack” blasts throughout •On-site laundry HESS APARTMENT MARLATT •Off street parking order, especially with [junior] Jane Sanders Stadium. She 1390 Alder APARTMENTS 2 & 3 bedrooms 749-773 E.17th Ave 610 E.14TH AVE Jenna [Lilley] having a few is full of spirit and eager • All have balconies! 1 bedroomRENTED units 1 bedroom unit struggles early on,” head to swing at the first pitch • On-Site laundry • On-site laundry • Hardwood floors • Limited parking $30.00/mo • Limited parking $30.00/mo • On-siteRENTED laundry coach Mike White said. she sees. • Off street parking (1 space) Senior Danica Mercado “I try to bring positive bats second in the order, energy every day,” Mack said. Bell Real Estate 2001 Franklin Blvd., Suite 2 bell-realty.com Eugene, 97403 campus: 541-501-3513 • Main office: 541-686-6188

6 | EMG Magazine EMG Magazine | 7 Infielder Nikki Udria (3) reaches to tag out a Utah Valley player on May 3, 2016. (Samuel Marshall)

Get them on, get them over, get them in. That’s Oregon’s new offensive philosophy. After a season in which power hitting created most of the offense, 2017 has become the year of ‘small ball’ for the softball team. The new motto means: Get runners on base, bunt or sacrifice to get them to second and third base, and get them to ‘small ball’ score by any means possible. The Ducks led the Pac-12 in home runs a year ago, producing 22 more than second-place Washington. But the departures of a few power hitters and the bitter taste after being stunned by UCLA in offense leads the NCAA Super Regionals led the Ducks to change their strategy. Just two outs separated Oregon and the 2016 College World Series. But UCLA’s Gabrielle Maurice a game-tying in to bigbig winswins game two of the super regionals, and UCLA went on to win games two and three, erasing Oregon’s shot at a third-straight world series appearance. “I’m going to go back to the drawing board with my coaches and the returning players and I’m going to figure out a way to get Jack Butler better,” Oregon head coach Mike White said after the game. Shawn Medow White’s small-ball strategy has thus far worked like a charm. The Ducks have started the season with a school-record 24-straight wins and currently rank fourth in the nation. With the addition of transfer infielder Alexis Mack and a new small-ball style, Oregon looks a lot different but has the same goal.

8 | EMG Magazine EMG Magazine | 9 Oregon’s team batting average and on-base percentage The Ducks answered the questions loud and clear. The are both higher this season than they were last season. emergences of Mack and Mercado at the one and two spots Granted, the Ducks have yet to face Pac-12 competition, of the lineup have been crucial for Oregon. Mack leads the but they’ve managed to raise their numbers without team with a batting average of .509 and Mercado’s is third sluggers Janelle Lindvall, Geri Ann Glasco and Koral Costa on the team at .458. who have since graduated. The Ducks averaged 1.6 home “Mercado has been a pleasant surprise,” White said. “And runs per game in 2016 and are down to one per game in thank goodness because we really needed somebody at 2017, but their runs per game have stayed almost the top.” exactly the same. Of course, a key to successful small ball is keeping the Fewer home runs means more runs have come opponent’s run total low. The graduation of star from aggressive and smart baserunning. In softball Cheridan Hawkins left a hole in Oregon’s starting rotation, terms, this is called “manufacturing” runs. Steals but the Ducks found two young, talented to fill it. and bunts are ways of advancing runners on the base paths without hitting the ball to the outfield. Maggie Balint and Miranda Elish join the team No. 1 and No. 4 ranked incoming freshmen. They’ve slid into Oregon’s leader in stolen bases last year, the rotation alongside Megan Kleist, who established Cherish Burks, finished the season with herself as an ace last season as a freshman. 10 steals. This year, Oregon already has three players with five or more steals: “They complement each other really well,” Danica Mercado leads the team with Lindvall said. “It’s fun playing behind Maggie, eight; Sammie Puentes and Alexis Mack Megan and Miranda because they all attack are right below her with seven and batters and you know you’re going to get some five, respectively. Oregon is averaging balls out there. Their energy is awesome to 1.7 steals per game this season, play behind. They always tell you when you more than double its figure from make a cool play and they appreciate you, last season. which is appreciated from the defense.” “We’ve got more speed Though the team’s approach is throughout the lineup, and I different, Oregon is still playing dominant think you can see that with our softball. That has not changed. The Ducks stolen-base numbers,” White will face difficult tests in conference, but said. “I can put hit-and-runs they are confident heading into their Pac-12 on. I can put people in motion opener against Cal on March 17. throughout the order, which “The Pac-12 is really, really difficult this year,” White is great.” said. Starting off with a tough Cal team is going to be Oregon is also doubling its our first test, then gradually we get into the meat with number of runs off sacrifice Washington, UCLA and Arizona all kind of in a row. I bunts in 2017. Mercado, Mack like the way it lays out for us; it gives us a chance and Lauren Lindvall lead to build up to it.” the team in sacrifice bunts, Despite their early-season success, the combining for 14 of Oregon’s Ducks are playing with a chip on their 15 total. shoulder, the memory of last year’s Super “It’s fun because the game is so Regional fresh in their minds. different. … Every bunt is different, every “The game doesn’t know that we’re hit is different and not relying on the long [undefeated] right now,” White said. ball is fun because everybody has to “It worries about who’s the best participate,” Lindvall said. “If one person team on the day, and we’ve got to gets on, one person has to contribute be the best team on the day.” to get them over. It’s fun watching our offense.”

Over the offseason, Oregon’s ability Alexis Mack hits against the to create runs was in question. White Pacific Tigers on March 11, 2017. (Amanda Shigeoka) didn’t know who would fill the top two spots of the lineup.

8 | EMG Magazine EMG Magazine | 9 Starting June 2 nonstop

EUG to PHX Three friends Starting June 2 reunited nonstop through Starting June 2 Oregon nonstop baseball EUG to Zak Laster PHX

Oregon’s Matt Kroon (21) runs to third. The Oregon Ducks face the Utah Utes at PK Park in Eugene, Ore. on March 17, 2016. (Emerald Archives) EUG to PHX Parker Kelly (20) pitches againse the No. 22 Oregon State Beavers at PK Park in Eugene, Ore. on April 18, 2016. (Adam Eberhardt)

10 | EMG Magazine EMG Magazine | 11 The game is in extra Kelly and Bennett are both innings, there’s two outs entering their sophomore with runners on second and seasons, while Yovan arrived third, and the Demarini Dirty in Eugene this year as Dozen are one out away a freshman. from beating the No. 1 team on the west coast to advance “It’s been quite the to the championship game of times,” Kelly recalled. “It’s a West Coast Nationals. Nine- blessing that we’re all here year-old Kenyon Yovan, together now.” third baseman of the team, Kelly has appeared in sets up in a defensive stance two games in 2017 — both as his father, the head coach, as a pitcher — and thrown watches on. Jacob Bennett 3.2 innings, striking out five is pitching, and Parker Kelly and giving up two runs on is catching. six hits. Yovan has pitched Nearly a decade later, 7.2 scoreless innings and Yovan recalls the surprise notched three hits and three “backdoor” pickoff play RBI from the batter’s box. your choice he and Parker had up Bennett joined the Ducks your location their sleeves. last season as a right-handed your lifestyle “’Parker, you have a good pitcher. He hasn’t made an arm,’” Yovan told him when appearance in 2017 yet, but they were kids. “Throw the he amassed a 2-0 record ball to the bag and I’ll do and struck out five batters in your choice everything else.” seven games as a freshman your location Bennett’s pitch came in, last season. An injury forced your lifestyle an inside fastball. Kelly him to miss the last two received it and launched a months of the season. throw to third where Yovan Yovan has seen the most tagged out the runner before playing time of the three he could get back to the players at this point in bag, ending the game and the season, after stepping sending the Dirty Dozen to into the closer role due the championship game. to a short-term injury The three players, now to projected closer Brac ■ 1-3 bedroom units all members of the Oregon Warren. So far in 2017, Yovan ■ washer/dryer in most units Ducks baseball team, look has recorded three saves. His back on this moment as the first win for the Ducks came ■ parking & internet included start of what became a close in their 5-4 victory over the friendship over the years. Mississippi State Bulldogs. Although they did not all go to the same high school, they “He’s looked the [closer] ■ 1-3 bedroom units remained close throughout part and has done very well,” ■ washer/dryer in most units their prep baseball careers head coach George Horton ■ parking & internet included and chose to play college said of Yovan. ball at Oregon, where the The three players hope Bell Real Estate three could play important they can recreate the 2001 Franklin Blvd., Suite 23, Eugene, 97403 roles in the coming seasons. magic they had back in 541-686-6188 • bell-realty.com “Since the beginning, the West Coast Nationals campus direct 541-501-3513 they’ve always been like tournament and help the older brothers to me,” Yovan Ducks get to their first

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Bell Real Estate 35986 1-2v.indd 1 2/25/14 10:14 AM Former Oregon recruits could spread their wings at Jarrid Denney Major League level this year

Oregon baseball’s overall performance has tailed in 2015, but an injury wiped out his entire season. He off over the past few seasons, but it’s consistently was called up to the majors early last summer and done one thing at an elite level since the program’s went 5-6 with a 3.54 ERA while striking out 99 batters reinstatement in 2009: Recruit. and walking just 28. He will be counted on as one of Colorado’s top starters this season and has a chance to Year in and year out the Ducks compete with be one of the league’s breakout players. traditional powerhouses like UCLA and Cal State Fullerton for the best recruits on the West Coast and manage to file away loaded recruiting classes come Jake Reed — Minnesotta Twins signing day. Reed was one of the best in a long line of successful Last season, some of those former top recruits began Oregon closers before being drafted in the fifth round to make an impact at the major league level. This year, by the Twins in 2014. He terrorized hitters in rookie those players have a chance to turn into everyday ball during his first professional season and followed big-leaguers, and several other former Ducks could with a strong showing in the , continue to rise through the minors. where he surrendered just one run in 10 outings. While Here are a few former Oregon players — as well as splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A last one former Duck signee who went straight to the pros summer, Reed struck out 72 batters in 70.2 innings — who could contribute at the big league level soon. while walking just 24. According to MLB.com, Reed is Minnesota’s No. 13 prospect. With the Twins lacking a multitude of bullpen options, he could be in the majors Ryon Healy — sooner rather than later. Healy burst onto the scene last summer as a midseason call-up for the Athletics and smashed a Carson Kelly — St. Louis go-ahead home run in his first hit at the major league level. He hit a walk-off homer the next night and spent Cardinals some time hitting in the No. 3 spot despite starting the Kelly never played a game in year in Double-A Midland. A third-round pick in the an Oregon uniform, but the former Duck commit 2013 draft, Healy earned rookie of was one of the more coveted prospects to ever the month honors for the month of September, when come out of the state of Oregon. The Cardinals took he hit seven homers, drove in 19 runs and slashed him in the second round of the 2012 draft, and he .355/.389/636. This year, he will likely hit in the three- made his pro debut when he was just 17 years old. hole every day for the Athletics while splitting time Many figured he would turn into a power-hitting between third base and designated hitter. third baseman. In 2014, though, he made the switch to and rapidly became one of the better Tyler Anderson — Colorado Rockies catching prospects in baseball. He won the 2015 Rawlings Minor League Gold Glove Arguably the greatest Oregon pitcher ever, Anderson Award in just his second season behind was a two-time Pac-10 All Conference selection and a the plate and posted the highest batting second team All-American in 2011. After holding down average of any catcher in the Arizona the No. 1 spot in Oregon’s rotation for three seasons, Fall League. Now the No. 51 prospect Anderson was selected 20th overall by the Colorado in baseball according to ESPN, he Rockies in 2011. Anderson’s performance during his will likely hold the Cardinals’ backup professional career has never been an issue — he has catcher spot this season before taking never posted an ERA worse than 2.81 in the minors. He over full-time when current starter likely would have made Colorado’s starting rotation retires.

12 | EMG Magazine EMG Magazine | 13 Shared units Jake Reed available - $695 Selected by the in the fifth round of the 2014 MLB Draft Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 (2012) Ryon Healy Posted a .305 batting average and 13 Located only a few blocks west of home runs in 72 games at the major the University at 1455 Mill Street league level in 2016 2-5 Bedroom Units • Off-Street Parking Pac-12 All-Conference Washer/Dryer in Units Honorable mention (2012)

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Tyler Anderson Went 5-6 with a 3.54 ERA in 114.1 innings at the major league level in 2016 Two-time All-Pac-10 first team (2010-11)

Tyler Anderson (13) pitches against OSU on May 27, 2011. (Emerald Archives)

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14 | EMG Magazine EMG Magazine | 15 Lower classmen arms will need to STEP UP this year

Cole Kundich

When ace pitchers Cole Irvin and and Stringer are off to strong starts as Matt Mercer (11) pitches against the Santa Matt Krook left Oregon for the MLB last members of this year’s starting rotation. Clara Broncos in Eugene, Ore. on March 11, 2017. spring, they left two major voids in the (Adam Eberhardt) Mercer has been pitching in the Ducks’ starting rotation. This season, rotation’s No. 2 spot, with Springer right two sophomores have stepped into Stringer came flying out the gates this behind him at No. 3. David Peterson, their roles with big shoes to fill. season with seven innings of one-run now a junior, is the only member of ball at Fresno State to give the Ducks Matt Mercer and Cole Stringer both the starting staff to return to the Ducks their first win. The left-hander hasn’t made some spot starts at the end of this year. been as sharp in his two most recent the 2016 season, but most of their work Mercer earned his spot in the Ducks starts, allowing 5 ER in a combined 9.1 came out of the bullpen. Following the rotation after posting a 2.82 ERA in five innings, but he likes the path he is on disappointing 2016 season, head coach starts at the end of the 2016 campaign. right now. George Horton is leaning on them to He is now 2-1 with a 1.54 ERA through keep Oregon competitive in 2017. “I was ready to jump in immediately,” four starts this season. Stringer said. “To be able to get [one of “I like the way they’re performing,” “I knew I wanted to be a starter,” the weekend starting spots] felt good.” said Horton, whose Ducks are 10-4 to Mercer said. “I feel a lot better this year start the season. “I like their mental While Oregon has only come away and a lot stronger.” toughness. I think they both have with wins in four of their combined outstanding stuff.” In both of his wins this season, seven starts, the team has either been Mercer has thrown seven shutout tied or leading six of seven times when The Ducks allowed 5.1 runs per game innings without allowing a walk. Stringer and Mercer left the mound. in conference play last season. Their lack of shutdown pitching resulted “Our defense will make plays,” said “I think if they make a habit of in them going 14-16 in Pac-12 play, Mercer, who has the advantage of pounding the strike zone, they’re not good for a disappointing 10th place pitching in a spacious PK Park. “I’m just going to have to grind through those in the conference. But both Mercer pitching to contact.” mentally tough outings,” said Horton.

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