Oregon Ducks upset by Utah Valley in NCAA tournament
The Oregon Ducks lost 6-5 to Utah Valley University in Eugene, a first‑ever NCAA tournament win over a ranked team, after a controversial ejection of Anson Aroz.
Key points
- Utah Valley won 6-5, taking a 4-0 lead in the third inning and never trailing.
- Oregon rallied late, with Drew Smith hitting a home run in the eighth to cut the deficit to 6-4.
- Anson Aroz was ejected for a collision at home plate, ruled malicious intent, and suspended for the next game.
- Oregon scored once more in the ninth but could not overcome the deficit.
- The Ducks now must win against Cal Poly to stay in the tournament while Utah Valley moves on in the Eugene Regional.
The Oregon Ducks’ NCAA tournament run took a shocking turn Friday night as Utah Valley University upset the No. seed Ducks 6-5 in Eugene, marking UVU’s first-ever NCAA tournament win over a ranked opponent Utah Valley jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the third inning and never trailed, capitalizing on early struggles from Oregon’s pitching staff..
Oregon mounted a late rally, highlighted by Drew Smith’s second home run of the game in the eighth inning, cutting the deficit to 6-4 The most dramatic moment came when Anson Aroz attempted to score on a sacrifice fly, colliding with the Utah Valley catcher at home plate. After a lengthy video review, officials ruled Aroz out for “malicious intent” in the collision, ejecting him from the game and suspending him for the Ducks’ next matchup The run was wiped off the board, keeping Utah Valley ahead.
Oregon managed to score once more in the ninth, but their comeback fell just short as Utah Valley held on for the upset victory The Ducks now face a must-win elimination game against Cal Poly to keep their postseason hopes alive, while Utah Valley advances in the Eugene Regional.
Your questions, answered
Why was Anson Aroz ejected from the Oregon game?
Officials ruled his collision with the Utah Valley catcher at home plate malicious intent after a video review.
What was the final score of the Oregon vs. Utah Valley game?
Utah Valley defeated Oregon 6-5.
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