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Sports Murphy finds second home at Optimist Field
Murphy finds second home at Optimist Field
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 DUCK DELIVERY: Oregon pitcher Kyle Knapp brings the heat during an 8-3 win against Utah State at Optimist Field Thursday. - The Observer/PAUL HARDER The Ducks opened the Northwest Club Baseball Regional with an 8-3 win against Utah State Thursday. Kyle Knapp worked 8 and 2/3 innings for the win. “It’s nice when you can get that much out of your starting pitcher,” Oregon head coach Kenny Swartwout said. “We’re used to playing seven-inning games. One of our strengths is a deep bullpen. This just sets up the rest of the tournament for us.” At the plate Andrew Murphy felt right back at home after a strong performance at regionals last season in La Grande. He hit two long balls during last season’s NorPac Regional. Murphy went right to work with a single and a home run in the opening game. “(Andrew) came in on a little slump,” Swartwout said. “But there’s something about this place that gets him going. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.” The Ducks will play the winner of the Weber State/Western Washington game at 11 a.m. today. Utah State will take on the loser of that game at 3 p.m. The first elimination game will take place at 7 p.m. The championship game will start at noon Saturday. |
