Oregon falters late, falls to UCLA in Big Ten title game
The Oregon Ducks lost 3-2 to the UCLA Bruins in the Big Ten Tournament championship game after a walk-off hit-by-pitch in the 11th inning. UCLA’s Aidan Espinzoa tied the game with an RBI single in the ninth, and Devin Bell’s hit-by-pitch sealed the Bruins’ victory despite Oregon’s strong offensive performance earlier in the game.
The Oregon Ducks fell to the UCLA Bruins 3-2 in the Big Ten Tournament championship game, ending their season in a dramatic 11th-inning walk-off loss. The matchup between former Pac-12 rivals featured a back-and-forth battle, with UCLA breaking through in the fourth inning when an RBI triple gave them a 1-0 lead. Oregon responded in the sixth with back-to-back home runs—Burke-Lee Mabeus and Naulivou Lauaki Jr.—to take a 2-1 lead. UCLA tied the game in the ninth when Aidan Espinzoa hit an RBI single, forcing extra innings. The Bruins’ closer, Easton Hawk, held Oregon scoreless in the 10th, but the Ducks’ Devin Bell loaded the bases in the 11th. After nearly escaping, Bell accidentally hit UCLA’s Phoenix Call with a pitch, forcing in the winning run. The loss marks UCLA’s third walk-off victory in the tournament, while Oregon’s strong season keeps them in contention for an NCAA Tournament hosting spot. Their seeding will be announced at 5:30 p.m. PST tonight, with the full bracket revealed Monday at 9 a.m. PST. Key moments included UCLA’s early break, Oregon’s sixth-inning surge, and the controversial ejection of UCLA’s Gasparino after a rundown at third. The game showcased clutch hitting from both teams, with Bell’s late miscue proving decisive. Despite the loss, Oregon’s resume remains impressive, leaving fans hopeful for a regional hosting opportunity.
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