OREM, Utah – Fresh off of series victory at WAC opponent Seattle University over the weekend, the Utah Valley University baseball team will return to UCCU Ballpark this week to open a four-game homestand against the Oregon Ducks of the Pac-12 Conference on Wednesday evening (March 27). 
 
Wednesday's midweek contest will begin at 6 p.m. at UCCU Ballpark and will be streamed live on the WAC Digital Network. Live stats and live audio will also be available for the game by visiting GoUVU.com.
 
UVU will enter Wednesday's ballgame with an 5-18 overall record and a 2-1 start in WAC play after taking two of three in the conference-opening series at Seattle U last weekend. After dropping the opener by a score of 8-5 on Friday, the Wolverines responded behind solid pitching from Paxton Schultz to take game two, 4-2, as well as to hold on late to take Sunday's finale, 6-5, and win their first series of the 2019 season. 
 
Schultz, who was recognized as the WAC Pitcher of the Week on Monday, pitched 8.0 shutout innings in Saturday's ballgame and struck out seven while scattering six hits on his way to helping UVU take the contest by a score of 4-2. Behind Jesse Schmit's second save in as many days on Sunday, the Wolverines then managed to escape a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth to hold on to claim a 6-5 victory in the finale on Sunday.
 
After scoring what proved to be a critical four runs in the eighth-inning of Sunday's finale, Seattle U then managed to string together a ninth-inning rally to make things interesting. The Redhawks drove home four runs to make it a one-run game and had the bases loaded with two outs in the frame. The UVU closer Schmit came on and managed to induce a game-ending flyball to right seal the victory and the series for the Wolverines. Schmit also entered another bases loaded jam with one away and his team holding on to a 4-2 lead on Saturday, and the Wolverine closer managed to induce a game-ending double play groundball to end that threat. 
 
Offensively in the Seattle U series, sophomore catcher Drew Sims led the way for the Wolverines by hitting .556 (5-for-9) with three walks, an RBI and two runs scored. Freshman Mick Madsen was next by going 4-for-7 while Kade Poulsen led the way in RBIs in the series with five. Schultz led UVU from the mound by going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 8.0 shutout innings, while Schmit recorded two saves and didn't give up a hit or a run in an inning of relief work. 
 
On the season, Alexander Marco leads the Wolverines at the plate with a .337 average, four home runs, nine doubles and 16 RBIs. Michael Beltran is right behind him with a .333 clip and team highs of 16 runs scored and three triples. Schultz leads the UVU pitching staff with a 1-2 record and a 3.51 ERA. Freshman right-hander Mason Gray (0-0, 12.41 ERA) is slated to start Wednesday's midweek contest for the Wolverines. 
 
ABOUT OREGON
The Pac-12 Ducks, who are currently receiving votes for the USA Today Top 25 Coaches Poll, are 12-9 on the season and 2-4 in Pac-12 play. Oregon has dropped five of its last seven contests after falling in two of three at home against No. 20 Arizona State over the weekend. Both of UO's wins during the stretch were in extra innings, as it defeated Washington, 1-0 in 10 innings, on March 17 and No. 20 ASU, 5-4 in 12 innings, on March 23. Oregon is ranked 11th on the latest RPI and boasts the nation's top strength of schedule. The Ducks were picked to finish seventh in the Pac-12 this season after going 26-29 a season ago and 12-18 in league play. 
 
Gabe Matthews leads UO offensively on the season with a .370 batting average, two home runs and 13 RBIs. Spencer Steer is next with a .338 clip as well as two homers and nine RBIs. Robert Ahlstrom leads the Oregon pitching staff with a 3-2 record and a 4.32 ERA. 
 
ALL-TIME SERIES BETWEEN UVU AND UO
Wednesday's contest between the Wolverines and Ducks will mark the first all-time meeting between Utah Valley and Oregon.  
 
ON DECK FOR UTAH VALLEY
The Wolverines will remain home to host the preseason favorite Grand Canyon Antelopes in a three-game conference series this weekend (March 29-31). The series will open on Friday at 6 p.m. at UCCU Ballpark.