Oregon’s Scott Heineman echoed what likely the entire team felt after its 5-4 win over No. 2 UCLA on Sunday.
“I feel like we’re easily one of the best 64 teams in the country,” Heineman said.
Regardless, it wasn’t clear if the Ducks would have a place in the NCAA Baseball Tournament.
On Monday, though, Heineman’s statement was confirmed. The Ducks are heading to the postseason for the fourth consecutive year,this time as a No. 3 seed in the Springfield Regional hosted by No. 1-seed and No. 8-overall seed Missouri State.
Oregon (37-23, 16-14 Pac-12) will face No. 2 Iowa (39-16, 19-5 Big 10) Friday in Springfield, Missouri. The first pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific time.
Also in the Ducks’ bracket is No. 4 seed Cansius.
Oregon won its final five Pac-12 series to make a case for the postseason. Its series win over No. 1 overall seed UCLA this past weekend was the final missing piece to its tournament resume.
Oregon players and coaches are scheduled to address the media at 2 p.m Monday.
Reaction on Twitter:
Last team in the tournament: Clemson Last four teams in the tournament: Maryland, South Florida, Oregon, and Clemson #RoadToOmaha
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) May 25, 2015
Who’d have guessed a month ago that Clemson, Oregon, Texas would be in regionals? 3 of the year’s biggest disappointments, turned it around.
— Aaron Fitt (@aaronfitt) May 25, 2015
Good call on @OregonBaseball as your sleeper, @ChrisBurke02. That team is dangerous right now.
— Aaron Fitt (@aaronfitt) May 25, 2015
On Iowa, who Oregon is set to play on Friday:
Iowa is 39-16 and hoped to host a regional before losing four of its last six games. Regional host Missouri State is No. 8 overall seed.
— Steve Mims (@SteveMims_RG) May 25, 2015
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise