Oregon State has made its mark by securing a spot in the College World Series for the first time under Coach Mitch Canham. They clinched this significant achievement by defeating Florida State 14-10 in a thrilling game at Goss Stadium.
In an explosive performance, the Beavers launched a barrage of home runs early on. They scored 13 runs in the first three innings, dominating the match and keeping Florida State on the defensive. Notable contributions came from Trent Caraway, who hit a grand slam, and Canon Reeder, who smashed a three-run homer. Overall, Oregon State tallied five home runs, showcasing their offensive strength.
With this win, Oregon State, now boasting a record of 47-14-1, is headed to the College World Series for the eighth time, and it’s a moment of pride as Canham takes the reins of a program with a rich history. Previously, the Beavers celebrated national titles in 2006, 2007, and 2018.
The Beavers faced a tough road ahead, playing heavily on the road to secure their NCAA tournament’s top seed. They’ll meet Louisville in the College World Series, a rematch of their previous clash in 2013, where Oregon State triumphed 11-4.
In the recent game, the Beavers had stellar performances, with six players scoring two runs each and Caraway and Reeder combining for seven RBIs. Although their pitching gave up 17 hits, Oregon State’s defense held firm, navigating through challenging situations.
Florida State made a strong start with a two-run homer by Max Williams, but the Beavers quickly responded. In the first inning alone, they scored seven runs, with Caraway and others stepping up to deliver crucial hits. Later, a grand slam from Caraway and a two-run homer from Gavin Turley expanded their lead to 13-3.
Despite some late-game pressure from Florida State, the Beavers kept their cool, with pitcher Zach Kmatz effectively shutting down seven consecutive hitters. The game ended with cheers from the Oregon State fans as they celebrated this monumental victory.
As the excitement builds for the College World Series starting June 23, the Beavers’ journey is a testament to their hard work and determination. With strong performances and a powerful lineup, they aim to add another championship title.
For in-depth insights into the performance of college athletics and the significance of this series, check out the NCAA’s official reports here.