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Cesar Salazar homered for the third time in two games, but that’s all the offense Arizona could muster in a 2-1 loss to Oregon on Friday in Eugene.
The Wildcats (33-22) likely need to win Saturday’s rubber match to have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament. Their RPI now sits at 50.
Kenyon Yovan tossed a complete game for the Ducks, who improve to 26-28. He had a no-hitter until Salazar homered with two outs in the seventh to tie the game at 1-all.
Cesar Salazar! AGAIN!
— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) May 26, 2018
His 3rd home run of the series ties this thing up at 1 and breaks up Kenyon Yovan's no-hitter and shutout!#BearDown pic.twitter.com/hTN25ovfQC
Kyle Kasser looped an RBI single in the seventh to give the Ducks the lead.
An error and two hit by pitches loaded the bases for the Wildcats to begin the ninth, but they couldn’t bring the tying run home. Salazar and Matt Fraizer struck out chasing breaking balls, before Jacob Blas flew out to center for the final out.
Arizona had just two hits, spoiling a solid outing by Michael Flynn, who gave up just one earned run in 6.1 innings.
The series-finale is Saturday at 3 p.m. PT. Arizona is 9-13 on the road.