SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara baseball lost in the series-opening game against Oregon on Thursday night by a score of 6-2. The Broncos were just 1-of-10 with runners in scoring position and failed to take advantage of early scoring chances.

James Acuna started the game for the Ducks and threw four scoreless innings but Parker (1-0) earned the win, throwing two scoreless and hitless innings. Oregon's four pitchers combined to hold SCU to just four hits and zero earned runs.

The Broncos (3-9) and Ducks (8-4) each loaded the bases in the first inning but had nothing to show for it. SCU left two runners on base in the top half of the second inning as well but could not drive them in and the Ducks made them pay in the bottom of the second.

Tim Susnara led off with a double and was driven home on a single by Spencer Steer to give Oregon a 1-0 lead. After Daniel Patzlaff was hit by a pitch, Kyle Kasser singled to score Steer and put Patzlaff on third. He was then driven home on a sac fly by Morgan McCullough to put the Ducks up 3-0.

Oregon added three runs in the bottom of the third. Steffens hit Susnara and Steer on consecutive at-bats and then with two outs Kasser singled to score Susnara. McCullough tripled on the ensuing at-bat to clear the bases and put Oregon up 6-0.

Steffens (1-2) recorded the loss after he went 5.0 innings and allowed six earned runs while striking out two batters and hitting six.

SCU added two runs in the top of the eighth to cut the lead to 6-2. Junior designated hitter Niko Holm doubled to right center and then sophomore third baseman John Cresto was walked in the ensuing at-bat. With two outs, junior first baseman Jake Brodt reached on an error by the center fielder who dropped a fly ball. He ended up on second base while Meditz and Cresto scored two unearned runs.

Holm was the only Bronco to record more than one hit, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a double and a run scored.

Up Next: Santa Clara plays in game two of the four-game series at 6 p.m. PT on Friday.

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Go Broncos!