It's all about RPI these days, and that's what the Oregon Ducks are hoping to maintain down the stretch of the regular season and into the Big Ten Tournament.
Just before the Ducks begin a series at Washington on Friday, the Ducks announced their impending midweek series at PK Park against Grand Canyon has been canceled. Additionally, the Ducks announced that the beginning of their final regular season series against USC has been set for 7 p.m. PT on May 14.
No reason was given for why the series between the Ducks and the Antelopes was canceled just days before it was set to begin on May 5. Instead of playing two games against the team from the desert, Oregon will keep the schedule open, for now, and maintain its RPI ranking at No. 25.
The Ducks will play a trio of Quad 3 games in Seattle against the Huskies this weekend, so winning is paramount. Oregon has been battling some pitching injuries lately, with Cal Scolari missing consecutive starts and Ryan Featherston and Ian Umladt both remaining on the bench.
By taking a break from a midweek series before their final two weekend series against UCLA and USC, the Ducks can stay fresh and finish the season strong. Winning both of those series could put the Ducks in a great spot to host a regional round in the NCAA Tournament.
The Ducks previously agreed to cancel a game against the No. 6 Oregon State after not being able to find a way to reschedule it. Oregon coach Mark Wasikowski reportedly said he was willing to cancel games to make it happen, but it doesn't appear Oregon's newly opened schedule will change those plans.
Perhaps the Ducks saw what happened to the Beavers on Wednesday and took notice. Oregon State was stunned at home in a 9-7 midweek loss to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The loss knocked the Beavers down to No. 15 in the RPI rankings, placing them on the edge of a regional hosting bid.
Midweek losses have plagued the Ducks at times this season, having dropped a game to the Beavers and two to Portland. By avoiding Grand Canyon, the Ducks are escaping the risk of dropping a game (or two). The risks of the midweek game don't align with the potential reward against a Quad 4 opponent. It's not unusual for teams to cancel games like this down the stretch of the season to preserve their postseason possibilities.
Oregon will be in Seattle facing bitter rival Washington over the weekend.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon-Grand Canyon baseball series canceled
