Oregon will face perhaps the hottest team in the country in Oral Roberts in this weekend’s Eugene Super Regional.
The eighth No. 4 seed to advance to a super regional in NCAA history, the Golden Eagles (49-11) have won 21 straight games and rank in the top 20 in a bevy of categories, including first in fielding percentage (.984), fourth in batting average (.324), fourth in WHIP (1.26) and fifth in ERA (3.83). ORU is attempting to make its first CWS appearance since 1978.
Here are five things to know about Oral Roberts as the Ducks (40-20) prepare for a best-of-three series starting tonight (5 p.m., ESPNU).
1) Jonah Cox is one of the nation’s top hitters
Center fielder Jonah Cox ranks fifth nationally in batting average (.424) and has a 44-game hit streak. The Summit League player and newcomer of the year has hit safely in 59 of the 60 games.
“He’s athletic, he’s big, strong, physical,” Oregon coach Mark Wasikowski said. “He can do it all on a baseball field. The people of Eugene will see a treat — hopefully won’t see his best version of himself — but he’s one heck of a player.”
2) Cade Denton is one of the best closers in the country
A NCBWA Stopper of the Year finalist, Denton had a 1.65 ERA and is tied for the national lead in saves (15). He ranks third among active players in career ERA (1.79).
3) Washington got to Harley Gollert
ORU’s left-handed starter has been strong all season but was tagged for a season-high seven runs in just 0.2 innings against Washington last weekend. It was Gollert’s shortest appearance since his freshman season at Austin Peay in 2018.
4) Veteran lineup
ORU’s starting lineup is composed entirely of juniors and seniors. Eight of its nine hitters are batting over .300 and five players have 10-plus home runs.
“This is not a walk in the park type of a setup,” Wasikowski said. “When these guys went through the Stillwater Regional and beat those three teams, they’re good. They’re the real deal.”
5) Defense and speed
The Golden Eagles lead the country in fielding percentage (.984) and have 94 stolen bases, with three players stealing more than 15 bags.
ORAL ROBERTS GOLDEN EAGLES
Record: 49-11
Coach: Ryan Folmar, 11th season
Top hitters: Jonah Cox (.424, 65 RBIs, 10 HRs), Matt Hogan (.338, 65 RBIs, 17 HRs), Holden Breeze (.329, 42 RBIs, 6 HRs), Jake McMurray (.317, 41 RBIs, 6 HRs)
Top pitchers: RHP Brooks Fowler (9-1, 3.11 ERA, 73 Ks), RHP Jakob Hall (8-3, 3.25 ERA, 87 Ks), LHP Harley Gollert (10-1, 4.00 ERA), RHP Cade Denton (1-1, 1.65 ERA, 15 saves)
