Thursday, May 23
Eugene, Ore.
6:00 PM
University of Oregon
2
vs
4
UCLA
Photo by: @EricEvansPhoto
Steer Sets RBI Records In Series Opener
05/23/19 | Baseball
The Oregon baseball team lost 4-2 on Thursday to No. 1 UCLA, with junior Spencer Steer becoming the team's all-time leader in RBIs in the process.
EUGENE, Ore. — Spencer Steer became Oregon's all-time leader in RBIs both for a career and a single season during the UO baseball team's 4-2 loss Thursday to top-ranked UCLA before 1,068 at PK Park.
Steer doubled in Tanner Smith for the record-setting RBI in the third, and went on to score the tying run as the Ducks made it 2-2 through three. But UCLA took the lead on a two-run home run in the eighth off Ryne Nelson, spoiling an outstanding effort by UO starting pitcher Robert Ahlstrom.
"Exactly what you want out of your Friday night guy," Steer said of Ahlstrom's performance. "And then the guy got Nelly — exactly who we want in that situation — so you've just got to tip your cap."
How It Happened: A one-out walk in the second came back to haunt Ahlstrom as consecutive UCLA singles brought the runner around for a 1-0 lead. The Bruins made it 2-0 on a pair of doubles in the third.
The Ducks (27-28) responded in their half of the third as Smith led off with a single and scored on Steer's double. A fielder's choice moved Steer to third, and another by Jonny DeLuca brought him home to tie the game.
Ahlstrom faced just two over the minimum over the next four innings, but he was pulled after allowing a one-out single in the eighth. The first pitch from Nelson was sent over the left-field fence to put the Bruins up, 4-2.
At The Plate: Steer's RBI was his 57th of the season, breaking the record he had shared with Ryon Healy (2013). It was also Steer's 129th career RBI, breaking the record previously held by Mitchell Tolman (2013-15).
"It's cool," Steer said of the records. "Obviously without guys like Tanner getting on base, I wouldn't be in that position. But I'd trade it for a win, for sure."
On The Mound: Ahlstrom struck out a career-high nine, allowing three runs on eight hits with just one walk. The quality start was his fifth such effort of the season.
"He did a nice job," UO coach George Horton said. "I thought he was a little amped up early on. (But) the guy battles his rear end off, and I thought he got better as the game went on."
Up Next: The Ducks send Cullen Kafka (5-5, 5.48) to face the Bruins in the second game of the series Friday (6 p.m., Pac-12).
Steer doubled in Tanner Smith for the record-setting RBI in the third, and went on to score the tying run as the Ducks made it 2-2 through three. But UCLA took the lead on a two-run home run in the eighth off Ryne Nelson, spoiling an outstanding effort by UO starting pitcher Robert Ahlstrom.
"Exactly what you want out of your Friday night guy," Steer said of Ahlstrom's performance. "And then the guy got Nelly — exactly who we want in that situation — so you've just got to tip your cap."
How It Happened: A one-out walk in the second came back to haunt Ahlstrom as consecutive UCLA singles brought the runner around for a 1-0 lead. The Bruins made it 2-0 on a pair of doubles in the third.
The Ducks (27-28) responded in their half of the third as Smith led off with a single and scored on Steer's double. A fielder's choice moved Steer to third, and another by Jonny DeLuca brought him home to tie the game.
Ahlstrom faced just two over the minimum over the next four innings, but he was pulled after allowing a one-out single in the eighth. The first pitch from Nelson was sent over the left-field fence to put the Bruins up, 4-2.
At The Plate: Steer's RBI was his 57th of the season, breaking the record he had shared with Ryon Healy (2013). It was also Steer's 129th career RBI, breaking the record previously held by Mitchell Tolman (2013-15).
"It's cool," Steer said of the records. "Obviously without guys like Tanner getting on base, I wouldn't be in that position. But I'd trade it for a win, for sure."
On The Mound: Ahlstrom struck out a career-high nine, allowing three runs on eight hits with just one walk. The quality start was his fifth such effort of the season.
"He did a nice job," UO coach George Horton said. "I thought he was a little amped up early on. (But) the guy battles his rear end off, and I thought he got better as the game went on."
Up Next: The Ducks send Cullen Kafka (5-5, 5.48) to face the Bruins in the second game of the series Friday (6 p.m., Pac-12).
