Ducks Win Series in Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. – Oregon clinched its series over No. 11 Arizona with a 3-1 come-from-behind victory at Hi Corbett Field on Sunday afternoon.

With the win, the 10th-ranked Ducks (34-14, 16-8) remain first in the Pac-12 standings, and

improve to 12-4 against ranked opponents in 2012, while winning their ninth series of the season, including five against ranked opponents (four on the road).

Arizona’s Bobby Brown broke a scoreless tie as Arizona (30-15, 13-8) took a 1-0 lead on a one-out solo home run in the bottom of the fifth, but Oregon responded by scoring single runs in the final three innings of the game.

Kyle Garlick tied the game for Oregon by recording the Ducks’ third hit of the game with a one-out single in the top of the seventh. He moved to second on a balk that led to the ejection of Arizona head coach Andy Lopez, before moving to third on a groundout. With Brett Hambright at the plate, UA starter James Farris delivered a pitch in the dirt allowing Garlick to score and tie the game on the wild throw.

Oregon took its first lead of the game in the top of the eighth as Farris issued Kevin Shepherd a one-out walk. He moved to second on a groundout, and Aaron Jones delivered his team-leading 33rd RBI, driving in the go-ahead run with a single to left.

Farris (5-3) allowed two runs on four hits, while issuing two walks and striking out six Oregon batters in the loss. At one point, Farris retired eight straight.

Oregon starter Jeff Gold lasted five and 1/3 innings in the no decision, allowing one run on four hits while issuing two walks

Reliever Jimmie Sherfy (4-2) earned the win, shutting out the Wildcats in three and 2/3 innings of relief, allowing just one hit and striking out two. The Ducks added an insurance run in the ninth when Brett Thomas scored on a Brett Hambright RBI single.

Oregon returns to action on Tuesday, hosting Oregon State in a non-conference game at PK Park with first pitch scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The game will be tape delayed and broadcast at 9:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet Northwest.

Notes: Oregon is now 12-4 against ranked opponents…the Ducks have won nine weekend series, including five against ranked opponents with four on the road… Aaron Jones leads the Ducks with 33 RBIs…Bobby Brown’s solo home run was the fourth of the series as Oregon and Arizona hit two apiece…Oregon won its second game when trailing after six innings.