The third-ranked Oregon State Beavers baseball team is riding high on a ten-game winning streak as they prepare to host the Gonzaga Bulldogs for a two-game series starting tonight at Goss Stadium in Corvallis. The Beavers have been on an offensive tear, scoring a remarkable 44 runs and hitting 13 home runs over their last three games against Cal State Northridge, solidifying their position as a formidable force in college baseball.
Oregon State's recent success has propelled them from No. 11 to No. 3 in D1Baseball's Top 25 rankings, marking their highest position of the season. This surge comes on the heels of a seven-game California road trip, where they not only swept CSUN but also secured a midweek victory against UCLA, a top 10 opponent. With a current record of 30-7, the Beavers are looking to extend their winning streak against Gonzaga, who is set to face their first ranked opponent of the season.
First pitch for tonight's game is scheduled for 5:35 PM PT, and fans can catch the action live on Portland’s CW or stream it on KOIN.com. The series continues tomorrow at 2:05 PM PT, offering Gonzaga a chance to challenge the Beavers' dominance.
The Bulldogs come into this matchup with a record of 18-17, having recently endured a tough series against USC where they dropped the final two games. However, Gonzaga has been on a roll of their own, winning 16 of their last 21 games, which included a remarkable turnaround after a dismal 2-12 start to the season. Their recent success in the West Coast Conference (WCC) has them sitting at 10-2, their best start in program history.
Gonzaga's pitching staff has been particularly impressive, leading the WCC in several key categories including earned run average (ERA) at 5.33, saves with 11, and hits allowed at 281. The Bulldogs' .976 fielding percentage ranks second in the WCC and 46th in NCAA Division-I, showcasing their defensive capabilities as they prepare to face an explosive Oregon State lineup.
Oregon State's offense has been nothing short of spectacular during their ten-game win streak. The Beavers are batting .336 as a team, averaging 10.4 hits and 8.1 runs per game. Junior shortstop Aiva Arquette has been a standout player, batting .524 over his last 12 games, including a record-tying performance where he went 6 for 6 with two home runs and seven RBIs in a recent game against CSUN.
Adding to the Beavers' offensive power is outfielder Gavin Turley, who recently set the Oregon State career home run record with his 46th home run. Turley’s achievement adds to the excitement surrounding the Beavers' lineup as they continue to find success at the plate.
As the Beavers and Bulldogs prepare to clash, this matchup not only holds significance for the standings but also for the history between the two programs. The Beavers hold a 76-37 all-time record against Gonzaga, including a 31-14 advantage when playing at home in Corvallis. Oregon State has won the last five meetings, which adds an extra layer of pressure for Gonzaga as they look to break the streak.
Gonzaga's head coach Mark Machtolf is in his 22nd season and has amassed over 600 career wins, making him one of the most successful coaches in the program's history. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs have shown resilience, bouncing back from early-season struggles and establishing themselves as a competitive force in the WCC.
With both teams eager to prove themselves, tonight's game promises to be a thrilling matchup. Oregon State's potent offense faces off against Gonzaga's solid pitching, setting the stage for an exciting display of college baseball.
As the Beavers look to continue their winning streak and solidify their ranking, Gonzaga aims to make a statement against a top-tier opponent. Fans can expect an intense atmosphere at Goss Stadium as both teams battle for supremacy in this pivotal series.
Be sure to tune in for what is sure to be an exhilarating night of college baseball, as the Beavers and Bulldogs clash under the lights in Corvallis. With the stakes high and both teams in strong form, this matchup is not to be missed.
