Oregon Ducks ‘more confident’ than ever after series loss to UCLA

TL;DR

The Oregon Ducks remain optimistic after losing a series to UCLA, despite a 6-1 lead in the final game. Coach Mark Wasikowski believes the team is more confident than ever as they approach the postseason.

Key points

Oregon Ducks lost series to UCLA
Ducks had a 6-1 lead in the final game
Mark Wasikowski noted team confidence
Optimism about postseason chances
UCLA clinched series with a comeback win

Oregon DucksUCLA Bruins

After squandering a 6-1 lead on the road against the top-ranked team in the country, the average team might feel a bit down heading into the final series of the regular season.

Well, not the Oregon Ducks.

After UCLA's Dean West hit an eighth-inning grand slam, completing the comeback for the Bruins to capture a 9-6 win to clinch the series, Mark Wasikowski didn't feel down about his Ducks. Rather, there was a new sense of optimism about the team's postseason chances as the regular season winds up.

“You’re playing the No. 1 team in the country, you have a very good chance to win two out of three on the road, and you showed a lot of character this weekend,” Wasikowski said after Sunday's loss. “I think the team walking away from this weekend is probably more confident than they’ve ever been, and very disappointed in the results. I think that puts a bow on it.”

Oregon was run-ruled embarrassingly in the series opener on Friday. Wasikowski's message to the team was simple.

"Think about this one," Wasikowski told the team after the game. "This one should hurt."

The Ducks got back on the horse the next day and dug out of another early hole to claim a 9-6 victory. It was the first loss UCLA had experienced in Big Ten play this season. Oregon leaned on its young talent again, riding a three-run blast from redshirt freshman Naulivou Lauaki Jr. to tie the game before junior center fielder Jack Brooks smacked a three-run double to complete the comeback in the eighth inning.

The Bruins returned the favor on Sunday, scoring five in the eighth and stunning the Ducks' typically stout options at the back of the bullpen. Devin Bell's lone appearance for the weekend was one to forget, as he couldn't find the third out in the frame and gave up three big runs. Tanner Bradley was masterful on Saturday night, but less so in the finale, surrendering two more scores.

Q&A

What happened in the Oregon Ducks series against UCLA?

The Oregon Ducks lost a series to UCLA, with the final game ending in a 9-6 defeat after leading 6-1.

How did the Oregon Ducks feel after losing to UCLA?

Despite the loss, the Oregon Ducks felt a renewed sense of confidence about their postseason chances.

What did Coach Mark Wasikowski say about the team's performance?

Coach Mark Wasikowski expressed optimism, stating the team showed character and is more confident than ever, despite being disappointed with the results.

What are the Oregon Ducks' chances for the postseason after the UCLA series?

The Ducks are optimistic about their postseason chances following their competitive performance against the top-ranked team.