The Beavers didn't look like the same team that routed the Cougars the night before 12-3. This time the Cougars avoided the threat of a sweep with a 7-5 win. The Cougars, who remain at the bottom of the Pac-12, improved their overall record (11-20, 4-10 Pac-12), while Oregon State seems to struggle in Pac-12 play with a record of 6-5 and an overall record of 23-8.
Oregon State scored the game's first run in the second inning, but in show of things to come, Washington State answered back with a two run inning in the bottom of the second. The Cougars pitcher Ian Hamilton had control for most of the game keeping the Beavers scoreless for four innings in a row. As Washington State batters added one run to extend their lead to 3-1.
As Beavers' batters continued to struggled to find their rhythm they had the night before, things would turn around for them in the top of the 7th. KJ Harrison, a big presence at the plate whenever he's at bat, hit a three run homer to give the Beavers their first lead of the game 4-3. More importantly, it was against Hamilton who had controlled most of the game for the Cougars. After the home run Ryan Walker would replace Hamilton at the mound.
Just when things looked to be turning around for Oregon State and they had momentum on their side, the Cougars answered back. Jordan Britton came in for Jake Thompson after Thompson had pitched the games first six innings. Britton got a quick out after a fly out to centerfield, then things quickly went downhill as he quickly loaded the bases. Washington States' Mason Cerrillo crushed the Beavers' hope for a comeback as he hit a grand slam to give the Cougars the lead back after a short lived Oregon State lead. Britton was replaced with Scotland Church, who finished the game for the Beavers.
Christian Donahue kept hopes alive for another Beavers' run with a single to cut the lead to two 7-5. It was the only run Oregon State could muster as they fell short to the Cougars 7-5. The series concludes tomorrow with the first pitch at 12PM.