In an exciting game at the Eugene Regional on Friday night, Utah Valley’s Jimmy De Anda played a crucial role in his team’s narrow 6-5 victory over Oregon. De Anda contributed significantly by driving in three runs with both a double and a single.
Utah Valley, carrying a 33-27 record as the No. 4 seed, advances to face the second-seeded Arizona in the winner’s bracket game scheduled for Saturday. Meanwhile, the regional hosts, Oregon, will go up against Cal Poly in a do-or-die contest after Oregon finished the match with a 42-15 record. Earlier, Arizona managed to clinch a tight 3-2 win against Cal Poly on Friday.
The third inning proved pivotal for Utah Valley, featuring De Anda’s impactful double down the left-field line, which set the stage for Luke Iverson’s run-producing single to right field. Mason Strong also contributed with a decisive two-run single, giving Utah Valley a commanding 4-0 lead.
Oregon made a comeback attempt in the fourth inning, with Drew Smith smashing a two-run homer followed by an impressive solo home run from Anson Aroz, setting the score at 4-3. However, Utah Valley extended their lead to 6-3 in the seventh thanks to De Anda’s two-run single.
Smith proved to be Oregon’s standout player, adding a second home run in the eighth inning and closing the game with two home runs and three RBIs. His efforts brought the Ducks closer in the game’s final moments, but with a runner on base and two outs in the ninth inning, Smith’s strikeout sealed Oregon’s defeat.
Carston Herman emerged victorious with a record of 5-3, while Cooper Littledike secured his sixth save of the season for Utah Valley. On the other hand, Jason Reitz took the loss for Oregon, bringing his season record to 5-1.