Cal Golden Bears bust the Ducks 5-3

The Golden Bears chased down the Ducks after a fine pitching effort helped them hold on for the win Saturday night. Cal won their third straight series to close out the season, outhitting  No. 15 Oregon 25-11 in the process.

As the lights went out at PK Park in Eugene, it signaled the end of the road for some of Cal’s seniors. For others on the team, it leaves something to build on for next year.

Designated hitter Brenden Farney continued his offensive onslaught tonight with a leadoff double in the top of the second. He was brought home two hitters later, when Vince Bruno hit a two-run single that sent the game wide open.

With a 4-0 lead in the fifth inning, senior Devon Rodriguez — playing through a right shoulder injury — executed a delayed double steal to bring home Jacob Wark for their fifth run.

Ducks head coach George Horton would make the first of his pitching changes, attempting to win through their relievers.

The Golden Bear’s Ryan Mason (7-1) on the other hand looked like the right choice for the matchup.

“Mason has pitched a couple different roles for us this year,” head coach David Esquer said. “Once he got back in the rotation… he’s done a great job for us, just a gritty performer.”

The sophomore pitched perfectly into the 5th, taking a no-hitter into the inning. But Oregon came back and scored three runs off of him to make it a two-run ball game.

Garrett Cleavinger came on for the Ducks in relief, throwing a heater that was reaching 93-94mph, highlighted at one point during a 10-pitch duel against Rodriguez that ended in a strikeout.

The third team All-American made a valiant effort, but it wouldn’t be enough for the Ducks who now go in to the NCAA Regionals on a two-game losing streak.

The NCAA Regionals begin on Friday, May 30th.

Cal (26-27, 13-17 Pac-12) goes home for the offseason, while Oregon (42-18, 18-12 Pac-12) flies out of Eugene to await their tournament opponent.