SURPRISE, Arizona – Ryan Ober hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, but Oregon State managed to recover even more in the 3-2 loss to Kansas State on Friday afternoon at Surprise Stadium.
Ober’s two-race explosion came later Preston Jones’ two triple exits to give Beavers runners a scoring position for the first time since the second entry. Ober then threw 2 to 0 against Eric Torres, a Kansas State reliever, and threw over the fence in the left center for his fourth home run in his career.
Kevin abel made his first match for the Beavers since March 1, 2019, and eliminated seven in 4 2/3 entries. He gave up just one hit with two walks and allowed two runs – one of which was not deserved. He took the loss.
The victory went to Kansas State left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks, who scored 10 out of seven entries. He issued two tours while spreading three hits. He won the victory.
Kanas State scored two races on Thursday and a solo race on Friday. Both came in pairs, first by Nick Goodwin in the fifth, followed by Caleb Littlejim in the next inning.
Next
Oregon State faces New Mexico on Saturday at Surprise Stadium. The first pitch is scheduled for 11am PT (12pm in Arizona). Left-handed Cooper Hjerpe is scheduled to start for the Beavers against New Mexico’s right-handed Justin Armbruester.
Follow the game
Follow Saturday’s match on TuneIn radio on the Beaver Sports Network and also on Flo Sports. Both links can be found by visiting the programming page at osubeavers.com.
A look at the statistics line
The combined teams for just nine strokes – six of the Beavers – launched nine combined pitchers. OSU pitchers walked seven, while Kansas State Wicks represented two of the Wildcats. Troy Claunch led the Beavers with two hits, including a ninth entry single in a 3-2 count.
Boyd takes the first step in his debut
Justin Boyd started on first base Friday, hitting slot number 7 on the batting order. Boyd, who comes from Colorado, did not play in 2020, which also gave him his OSU debut on Friday.
Verburg Returns
Mitchell Verburg also made its first appearance since the 2019 season, arriving with relief to open the ninth. He walked one in an inning with no job score.
Also in debut
Left-handed launcher Chase Watkins worked a seventh goalless entry, eliminating one. However, it wasn’t his college debut, as he pitched for Cal Poly during the 2019 season. Kyle Dernedde also made his first career appearance, fighting for Claunch in ninth place.
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OUR MISSION
Oregon State Athletics strives to Build ANDxcellent ONEauthentic Visionary sstudent-ONEthletes (Go BEAVS).