Ducks Baseball: Oregon scores six runs in ninth to beat San Diego State in season opener

Oregon baseball got their season off to a thrilling start in San Diego, beating the San Diego State Aztecs 8-2 thanks to six runs scored in the top of the ninth inning, breaking a 2-2 tie heading into the ninth.

Cole Irvin tossed seven innings of shutout baseball in the season opener, giving up six hits while striking out nine. Irvin did not surrender any walks. Irvin showed great command all night, with 70 of his 93 pitches hitting the strike zone.

After two scoreless innings, the Ducks struck first in the top of the third. Travis Moniot led the inning off with a double to center field and moved over to third on a single from Daniel Patzlaff. Moniot was then driven home when Austin Grebeck grounded out to second base. Patzlaff would then move up to third on a wild pitch and score on a fielder's choice during the next at bat, giving the Ducks a 2-0 lead.

The Aztecs would tie things up late in the game in the bottom of the eighth. Freshman RHP Isaiah Carranza came on in the eighth to relieve Irvin, and things did not go well. Carranza started things off by walking CJ Saylor, who then reached third on a throwing error during the next at bat. After Carranza walked Andrew Brown, Stephen Nogosek came on in relief for Oregon. In the next at bat, Spencer Thornton flied out to right field, scoring Saylor. Then, on the next at bat, Justin Wylie singled through the right side to tie the game.

That's when Oregon's bats came to life. The Ducks started by scoring two runs on a sacrifice fly from Travis Moniot, followed by an RBI single by Daniel Patzlaff. The Aztecs then gave up back-to-back walks, loading the bases. A fielding error during the next at bat scored two more runs. Nick Catalano delivered the final blow, driving a two RBI double to left center.

Cooper Stiles came on in the ninth to shut things down, retiring the Aztecs in order.

The Ducks and Aztecs are back at it tomorrow afternoon with first pitch at 1:00 PM PT.