Oregon
Ducks’ grand slam abruptly ends Arkansas’ season
FAYETTEVILLE — Big fifth innings for Oregon were Arkansas’ downfall at the NCAA Fayetteville Regional at Bogle Park.
Oregon scored 10 unanswered runs — including 9 in the fifth — after Arkansas tied the game in the third inning, and the Ducks eliminated the Razorbacks with a 14-4 victory on Sunday. The game ended with a grand slam hit by Ducks right fielder Ariel Carlson to cap a five-inning run rule.
The Ducks (38-15) scored 17 total fifth-inning runs against Arkansas in two games at the regional. Oregon scored eight runs against the Razorbacks in the fifth Saturday and won 10-4.
The results flipped fortunes from a year ago when Arkansas ended Oregon’s season. It was big sixth innings for the Razorbacks last year, when they scored six runs in the inning on two consecutive days.
“We’ve talked about responding all year,” Carlson said. “That’s something that we’ve talked about — just having a post-season mentality. And I think that’s what we were able to do when they got on the board early. I thought there wasn’t one person that was afraid that we weren’t going to be able to come back.”
The end of Arkansas’ season marked the first time since 2019 the Razorbacks (40-19) did not advance to a super regional.
“This team was fun,” Arkansas coach Courtney Deifel said. “We had our tough days. But it was just such a fun dynamic of returner and newbie, and different energy. And this group was so connected and so accepting and welcoming of all kinds. And they take care of each other, and they trust each other and they accept each other. It’s a group that I’m just really proud of.”
Oregon will play the NCAA Stillwater Regional winner in its first super regional appearance since 2018.
Arkansas redshirt senior Chenise Delce was given her third start of the regional, which came after throwing 156 pitches Saturday in games against Oregon and Notre Dame. Delce shut out Notre Dame in an elimination game Saturday night.
“I tell her all the time, I’m like, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do without you,’” Deifel said. “Because she was just a joy every day. She came to work [and] she was willing to do anything.
“She is so selfless and so consistent. If you could make a pitcher, she’s exactly who you’d want to make.”
The Razorbacks batted as the visiting team and took an early 1-0 lead when Rylin Hedgecock hit a sacrifice fly to score Reagan Johnson.
Oregon capitalized on a pair of free passes by Delce in the first inning. After the Ducks drew two walks, Carlson singled to score one run and KK Humphreys followed with a three-run home run that snuck over the wall in center field to put Oregon ahead 4-1.
Arkansas’ Hannah Gammill launched a three-run shot into the berm over the wall in right-center field to tie the game 4-4 in the third inning.
The Ducks chased Delce in the fourth inning after they got two runners on with no outs. She was replaced by Callie Turner, who kept the damage minimal.
Oregon went ahead 5-4 when Kai Luschar hit a single off Turner. The run was charged to Delce.
Delce ended with 5 runs allowed on 5 hits and 3 walks. She threw 60 pitches to total 216 pitches during the regional. Sunday’s game marked the end of Delce’s career at Arkansas.
“It’s meant everything,” Delce said. “Because I went from not believing in myself and basically wanting to give up on softball to finding that love for softball again — with my coaches, and my teammates and just the whole Arkansas environment. So my whole career here has been great for me mentally and I can’t thank them enough.”
Oregon extended its lead to 7-4 in the fifth inning with a two-run home run by Carlson. The hit caused Arkansas to pitch freshman Robyn Herron in relief of Turner. The Ducks loaded the bases with one out, prompting another pitching change.
Freshman left-hander Hannah Camenzind entered and Oregon nine-hole hitter Paige Sinicki doubled down the left-field line to score two more runs.
A run-scoring single by Terra McGowan and Carlson’s grand slam ended the game. Carlson batted 6 for 8 in the two games against Arkansas with 10 RBI.
“[I was] just keeping things simple,” Carlson said. “Over the years I’ve gotten to really know myself as a player and I have a tendency to overthink a little bit. So [I] kind of just knowing that, and freeing myself up and going up there and taking it one pitch at a time. [It was] just see ball, hit ball. That’s really all I’m thinking.”
Oregon pitcher Stevie Hansen threw a complete game with 4 runs allowed on 8 hits, with 1 strikeout.
It was the first time Arkansas has hosted an NCAA regional and did not advance. Prior to this year’s tournament, the Razorbacks were 9-0 in regional games played at Bogle Park.
Arkansas has an 11-6 record in regional games under its eighth-year coach Deifel and has appeared in six consecutive NCAA Tournaments.
In Mel Kiper’s new Big Board ahead of the national championship, Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is listed as the No. 19 best available prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was the only Duck named in the the top 25 of Kiper’s player rankings.
On ESPN’s NFL Draft Big Board, Harmon is listed at No. 32. Josh Conerly Jr. are placed at No. 20 and Jordan Burch at No. 42.
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As a 6-5, 310-pound defensive tackle, Burch started his collegiate career with the Michigan State Spartans. In three seasons in East Lansing from 2021-23, he put together 69 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
In his breakout season under coach Dan Lanning that gained the attention of NFL front offices, Burch finished with 49 total tackles, 34 pressures, 11 run stops, five sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He went on to be named to the All-Big Ten Third Team.
“What jumps out to me most is his consistent disruptiveness on a game-to-game basis. He combines quickness with power to cause chaos for opponents. And his scheme-versatility only adds to his value; Harmon can dominate at either defensive tackle or end.”
– ESPN’s NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper
Burch can impact both the run and pass game at the next level. He created a ton of havoc for opposing backfields in the Big Ten Conference, and NFL franchises are intrigued by his overall college experience in multiple defensive schemes.
Burch took advantage of the national stage with the Oregon college football program and become one of top defensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft class. With his built body structure and long arms, Burch has the makings of an All-Pro level talent if he can build upon his collection of pass rush moves to compliment his excellent array of run rush moves.
“One of my favorite players in the draft, Harmon can do a lot of things effectively up front, including getting pressure on all four downs. Harmon isn’t just a gap-shooting player; he can hold up in the run game, even against double-teams, and effectively perform a lot of roles… Getting someone who can contribute against the run and provide help for Trey Hendrickson is a nice piece to help build a unit.”
– Nate Tice via Yahoo Sports
The NFL Draft Combine will run from Thursday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, Mar. 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The NFL Draft will take place on Thursday, Apr. 24 through Saturday Apr. 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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Controversial world leaders invited to Trump’s inauguration
Donald Trump’s inauguration guest list is breaking tradition, as he has invited a number of controversial world leaders, signaling his continued alignment with right-wing figures.
unbranded – Newsworthy
Inauguration Day, when President-elect Donald Trump will officially return to the White House, will take place Monday.
Trump will be sworn in at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda after the inauguration was moved indoors due to forecast cold weather in Washington, D.C. The last time an inauguration was moved indoors was 40 years ago for President Ronald Reagan in 1985.
Here is a list of Oregon politicians who told the Statesman Journal they will be attending or missing the inauguration as of Friday.
Is U.S. Labor Secretary nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s pick for U.S. secretary of labor and a former Oregon Republican Congresswoman, did not respond to the Statesman Journal’s inquiry on Friday asking if she would attend the inauguration.
Is Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, is not attending the inauguration.
Is U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, is not attending the inauguration. A representative from Wyden’s office said the senator was hosting planned townhalls in Oregon over the weekend and would be visiting the Providence nurses on strike in Portland before returning to Washington, D.C., Monday for evening votes.
Is U.S. Sen Jeff Merkley attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect her decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, an Oregon Democrat, will not attend the inauguration. A represent from her office said Bonamici will be gathering with immigration advocates, attending an MLK Day breakfast with community leaders and volunteering with an organization that serves homeless youth.
“I will not be attending the inauguration in DC this year. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of service and I will be spending it in Oregon with community members and organizations who are working to create a better future,” Bonamici said.
Is U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, an Oregon Republican, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect his decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, an Oregon Democrat, will attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, an Oregon Democrat, was unsure if should would be attending the inauguration when contacted by the Statesman Journal on Friday.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The first Powerball jackpot of 2025 was sold in Oregon and is worth $328.5 million, according to lottery officials.
The winner purchased the winning ticket in Beaverton on Thursday, Jan. 17, the Oregon Lottery said. The retail location will not be revealed until a winner has come forward.
The winning numbers for the Saturday drawing were: 14, 31, 35, 64 and 69 and Powerball 23.
The winner has a year to claim their prize, Oregon Lottery spokesperson Melanie Mesaros said. After the winning ticket is presented, “it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes.”
Oregon lottery winners, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous, Mesaros said.
The winner will have a choice between an annuitized prize of $328.5 million or a lump-sum payment of $146.4 million, according to lottery officials, which are both options before taxes.
Last year, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon — a $1.3 billion jackpot — was split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.
Before Saturday, the most recent Powerball jackpot was sold in December in New York and was worth $256 million.
Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Fernando Cervantes Jr., a news reporter for USA TODAY, contributed to this story.
Cherrill Crosby is the executive editor of the Statesman Journal and The Register-Guard. Reach her at crosbyc@gannett.com
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